Inmate dies of electrocution in Cabuyao jail

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna—A man detained in an overcrowded police lock-up cell in Cabuyao City died from electrocution when he leaned on an electrical outlet while he and other inmates were watching television Thursday night, police said.

Superintendent Leo Luna, Cabuyao City police chief, told the inquirer in an interview Friday morning two other inmates were injured during the incident, which occurred around 9:30 p.m.

He identified the fatality as Nelson de Luria, 32, who was arrested and detained for alleged theft on August.

Luna said the inmates were watching television when De Luria accidentally leaned on an electrical outlet and got electrocuted. Two other detainees, Eldon Enguerra and Dennis Villar, who were seated next to the victim, also felt electric shocks.

Luna said the detainees were rushed to the Ospital ng Cabuyao but De Luria died. The doctors said the victim died of cardiac arrest due to the shock, Luna said.

Although the incident appeared to be an accident, Luna said, the authorities were having it investigated. He also asked an electrician to check the power connections in the cell.

About 90 people are detained in the cell, Luna said.

“They’re a bit overcrowded,” Luna said.