53-year-old laborer dies while digging 8-meter-deep well in Tuguegarao; Suffocation suspected cause

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — A 53-year-old laborer died after reportedly losing consciousness while digging an approximately eight-meter-deep well in Barangay Balzain East, Tuguegarao City on Monday, September 28.

The victim was identified as Romeo Tumbali, a resident of Peñablanca, Cagayan.

Reports showed that Tumbali and his companions, Jay-ar Arao, 27, and Jethroffil Callueng, 41, were working inside the deep well when they began experiencing dizziness and difficulty breathing.

They called for help, prompting a rescue operation involving the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and other responders.

Tumbali was eventually brought to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival, while the two other workers were rescued and brought to the Cagayan Valley Medical Center for medical attention.

Barangay Captain Jimmy Pagulayan said the lack of air at the bottom of the well, along with the high temperature, may have contributed to the incident. The workers were also reportedly not wearing protective gear.

Deep wells pose confined-space hazards

The incident highlights the danger of entering deep wells and other enclosed spaces without proper safety measures.

Occupational safety guidance identifies deep pits and similar areas as confined spaces because they have limited entry and exit points and may contain hazardous atmospheres. Such spaces can become oxygen-deficient or accumulate toxic or combustible gases, creating a risk of suffocation or death.

Safety guidance recommends that workers do not enter a deep well simply because the air appears normal. The atmosphere should first be tested for oxygen levels and possible combustible and toxic gases using appropriate monitoring equipment. The atmosphere should also be monitored while work is ongoing.

Where necessary, the space should be properly ventilated, and workers should have appropriate personal protective equipment, communication systems and a rescue plan before entering.

A trained person should remain outside to monitor the worker inside and summon emergency assistance when necessary. Rescuers should also avoid immediately entering a dangerous confined space to save an unconscious worker, as would-be rescuers can themselves become victims.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) specifically recommends identifying and evaluating confined-space hazards before entry, maintaining acceptable conditions through monitoring and ventilation, and having procedures in place for safe entry and emergency rescue.

For well-digging work, the basic rule is simple: test the air, ensure ventilation, use proper protective equipment, maintain a standby attendant and have a rescue plan before anyone goes down.