3 senior scouts die, 10 hurt in Zambo City electrocution incident

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. First responders provide aid to one of three senior scouts fatally electrocuted at the campsite in Mount Abong-Abong, Pasonanca, Zamboanga City, on Thursday morning (Dec. 12, 2024). The incident also left ten others hospitalized. (Photo courtesy of I-FM Zamboanga)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three senior scouts died and 10 others were hospitalized after being electrocuted at the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) campsite in Mount Abong-Abong, Barangay Pasonanca on Thursday.

Lawyer Jose Rizalino Ortega, BSP-Zamboanga City Council chairperson, said the incident occurred when the tip of a canopy that was being moved accidentally came into contact with a live electrical wire.

The electrocution happened just minutes before the opening of the 2024 citywide BSP Jamborette, which included activities such as the Kid and Cub Scouts Palaro.

“The canopy was intended to provide shade for the children in the area where they would participate in their Palaro,” Ortega said.

Ortega clarified that Kid and Cub Scouts — comprising Kindergarten and Grades 1 to 3 pupils — were not staying at the campsite but only visiting for the scheduled activities.

Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin, spokesperson for the Zamboanga City Medical Center, confirmed that three of the 13 electrocuted individuals were declared dead on arrival.

“All necessary resuscitation procedures were performed, but they were declared dead on arrival,” Sarapuddin said.

The fatalities were senior scouts aged 22, 18, and 17, hailing from Barangays Sta. Catalina, Pasonanca, and Tetuan, respectively.

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Sarapuddin added that the 10 other victims, including children aged 9, 11, and 12, are now in stable condition and under observation.

Ortega said the BSP-Zamboanga City Council will take full responsibility for the incident. The jamborette, originally scheduled to run until Dec. 15, was promptly canceled.

“This was an unfortunate accident, and our hearts go out to the families of the victims,” Ortega said.