Boom truck operator killed after hitting power line

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur — At approximately 9:40 AM on September 9, 2025, Calabanga Municipal Police Station (MPS) received a report via 911 regarding a fire incident in Barangay San Antonio Quipayo, Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Responding personnel from Calabanga MPS immediately proceeded to the location to conduct an initial investigation. Upon arrival, they spoke with the boom truck driver identified only as “Buddy,” 53 years old, married, and a resident of Calamba City, Laguna.

According to Buddy, while unloading precast cement fence panels inside the Jehovah’s Witnesses compound using a Fuso 6-wheeler boom truck, the boom arm—being operated by his co-worker—accidentally came into contact with the main power line of CASURECO 2. The operator, identified as “Willy,” 52 years old, single, and a resident of Gumaca, Quezon, was electrocuted during the incident. The electrical contact caused the vehicle to catch fire.

Buddy was able to jump from the burning vehicle and escaped unharmed. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calabanga declared the fire out at approximately 9:27 AM. Unfortunately, the victim died at the scene.

The estimated damage to the boom truck is placed at approximately ₱1.2 million. The victim’s remains will be subjected to a post-mortem examination, and BFP Calabanga is continuing its investigation into the incident.

The Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office urges the public to immediately report any criminal incidents or suspicious activities in their communities by calling the PNP hotline at 911, or through the CSPPO hotline numbers: 09701168707, 09996513177, and 09171599892. Reports may also be sent via the official CSPPO Facebook page: Camarines Sur PNP PRO5, for prompt police assistance.

FIREFIGHTERS work to extinguish flames from the boom truck that caught fire, using high-pressure water hoses to bring the blaze under control. Photo courtesy of Calabanga MPS