A devastating family tragedy unfolded in Barangay Cogon, Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday afternoon when three family members lost their lives while attempting to clean a deep well.
The victims have been identified as Rogelio Barluado, 56, along with his two sons Rjay, 25, and R-jun, 23. According to initial investigations, the fatal incident occurred around 4 PM when the family was working on their water source.
Chain of Rescue Attempts Turns Deadly
Witness accounts reveal that Rogelio was the first to descend into the approximately 40-foot deep well. When he failed to respond, his concerned son Rjay went down to check on him, only to also become unresponsive.
The tragedy deepened when R-jun, seeing both his father and brother in distress, made the fateful decision to enter the well as well. All three were overcome by what authorities suspect was toxic gas accumulation or oxygen deficiency within the confined space.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Local authorities and emergency personnel rushed to the scene after receiving distress calls from family members. Despite immediate rescue efforts, all three victims were pronounced dead at the location.
Police are currently investigating the exact cause of the incident, with preliminary findings pointing to possible hydrogen sulfide gas or lack of oxygen as the primary causes. The well had reportedly been unused for some time before the family decided to clean it.
Community in Mourning
The tight-knit community of Barangay Cogon has been left in shock by the tragic loss of three family members in a single incident. Neighbors described the Barluado family as hardworking and well-respected members of the community.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with confined spaces and the importance of proper safety measures when working in wells, septic tanks, and other enclosed areas.
