Two children died after being electrocuted during a fundraising event at an elementary school on the northern Philippine island of Luzon. Police are investigating whether safety management of the electrical equipment at the venue was negligent.
According to Philippine media outlets including the Tribune on the 14th, the accident occurred at about 6:20 a.m. on Oct. 3 at Cauayan South Central School in Cauayan, Isabela province. The school had organized a color and bubble fun run to raise funds. Participants who set off at about 4 a.m. had finished the run and returned to the campus for a soap bubble party when four children were electrocuted. An 8-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl died, while a 9-year-old boy and a 6-year-old child were treated at a hospital.
About 1,000 people, including students, parents and village officials, took part in the event. One participant who shared video footage said parents kept hearing what sounded like electricity flowing. Some parents called their children out of the bubbles. At the scene, an unconscious boy was seen being carried to rescue workers and a girl was seen receiving CPR.
Police believe the children were electrocuted while playing near the bubble-making equipment and are examining the possibility of a current leak or faulty grounding. The venue was outdoors, with extension cords and power outlets exposed. Police have asked an electrician to inspect the equipment. The exact path of the electrical current has not been confirmed.
Col. Allan Rey Co, a spokesperson for the Philippine National Police, said that if negligence is confirmed, charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injuries could be filed against both the event contractor and school officials. He added that civil liability for damages could also follow. The Department of Education launched a fact-finding investigation on the day of the accident. The school asked the public to refrain from spreading speculation and unverified information.