A tragic accident was happened at Eton Residence Construction site at around 11:45 am on Thursday, January 27, 2011. A total of 10 victims were pronounced dead on arrival after the accident. Only one victim survived but in critical condition, and under observation. The victims were workers from Arlo Aluminum, a gl(–foul word(s) removed–) contractor and installer of the multi-million residential condominium project.
According to the initial investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Makati City, the possible caused of the accident was overloading. The workers of Arlo Aluminum were installing gl(–foul word(s) removed–) windows when the service elevator or gondola was broken. The workers have fallen from the 34th floor to the 7th floor.
Meanwhile witnesses accounts said that the workers of Arlo Aluminum were on their break time and rode the gondola instead of taking the stairs, since the service elevator was overloaded so the cable snapped, causing the workers untimely death.
Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr., who rushed immediately to the site after hearing the news was quoted as saying “I have already ordered the stoppage of construction work of that building and determined what caused the accident”. It was reported over DZBB in a press conference called by the Mayor.
The name of the victims were identified as William Bañez, Joel Abezilla, Michael Tatlonghari, Celso Mabuting, Kevin Mabunga, Tisoy Perez, Borz Cristobal, Vicente Piñion, Diocado Jeffrey and Jaykie Legada. All were employees of Arlo Aluminum.
Eton Properties the building owner where the accident happened were insuring the victims to provide financial (–foul word(s) removed–)istance to the immediate families. Eton Residences Greenbelt building was owned and managed by The Lucio Tan Group. The construction began in the early 2008 and supposed to be finished early this year.