Freak elevator accident kills building caretaker
Investigators have yet to determine whether the incident was a workplace accident or if foul play was involved.
Investigators have yet to determine whether the incident was a workplace accident or if foul play was involved.
A 25-year-old building caretaker died after he was pinned inside an elevator shaft in a commercial building in Tondo, Manila.
The victim was found inside the building along the corner of Rodriguez and Nepa streets in Barangay 141, Balut, the police said Saturday.
Investigators said a factory worker identified only as Bryan was instructed to check on the caretaker after he could no longer be reached.
Upon arriving at the building, the worker noticed that access between the fourth and fifth floors was locked.
While inspecting the area, he found the elevator door open and proceeded to check the adjacent function room, where he discovered the caretaker trapped in the elevator shaft machinery.
The worker immediately informed the building owner, who sought assistance from the Smokey Mountain Police Community Precinct.
Responding officers later coordinated with the Manila Police District Homicide Section, which has taken over the investigation.
Investigators have yet to determine whether the incident was a workplace accident or if foul play was involved.
Authorities said they are examining the elevator mechanism, interviewing witnesses and reviewing other available evidence to establish the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death.
The building owner has expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation and provide financial assistance to the victim’s family.
The victim’s remains were brought to a funeral home for an autopsy and other postmortem procedures as investigators continue to determine the exact cause of death.
