Soft soil causes amphibious backhoe to capsize in a river in Negros Occidental, killing the operator

· A 49-year-old backhoe operator drowned after the heavy equipment he was driving capsized in a reclamation area in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental

· Initial police findings suggest the machine overturned due to the soft and unstable soil in the coastal area

· The operator was trapped inside the cockpit and pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital after an hour-long rescue effort

· The local government is expected to review safety protocols for operating heavy machinery in high-risk zones

A routine coastal clearing operation turned into a fatal disaster in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, last Friday, claiming the life of a 49-year-old municipal backhoe operator after his heavy equipment capsized in unstable soil.

The man was reportedly trapped inside the machine’s cockpit as it submerged, tragically drowning before rescuers could free him.

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The victim, identified by police as a resident of Barangay Miranda, was operating an amphibious backhoe owned by the local government in the coastal reclamation area of Barangay 1.

At approximately 8:00 a.m., the ground beneath the machine gave way, causing the large equipment to rapidly tilt leftward until it completely overturned and sank into the soft earth and water.

Hinigaran Police Chief Lt. Colonel Jovil Sedel confirmed that initial findings point to the soft and unstable soil conditions in the reclamation site as the primary cause.

This type of terrain poses unique and severe risks, even to specialized amphibious equipment designed to handle wetlands, as the rapid shift in ground stability can quickly overwhelm the machine’s balance.

The incident immediately triggered a frantic response from co-workers and emergency teams. However, extracting the operator from the submerged cockpit of the heavy machinery proved to be a difficult and time-consuming process.

Rescuers struggled for approximately one hour before they were able to pull the trapped man out.

He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in a desperate attempt to save his life, but doctors could only declare him dead on arrival.

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The tragedy underscores the inherent and often overlooked dangers of operating heavy equipment in dynamic and unpredictable environments like coastal reclamation sites.

While the backhoe was designed to handle waterlogged conditions, the soft underfoot and potential for sudden ground liquefaction created a fatal hazard.

The municipal government, which owned the backhoe, is now facing intense scrutiny and is expected to conduct a thorough review of its safety protocols.

The reclamation area has long been known for its unstable ground, raising questions about the safety assessments and operating procedures mandated for workers deployed in such high-risk zones.

The incident is a devastating reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, including mandatory use of personal flotation devices (PFDs) for operators working over or near water, and comprehensive site-specific risk assessments before any work commences.

Police investigators are continuing their site assessment, gathering statements, and checking the machine's maintenance records to ensure no mechanical failure or breach of safety protocol contributed to the fatal capsizing.

Local officials have extended their sincerest condolences to the family of the victim, while advocates for workers' safety are mounting calls for the stricter enforcement of safety procedures in all government and private infrastructure operations.

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News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, four of the six policemen accused of robbing and assaulting an 18-year-old girl in Cavite are still at large have reportedly sent word they want to surrender. Eight officers are already in custody, while 15 have been relieved from their posts following the incident. PDEG confirms the victim’s belongings were allegedly taken by the involved policemen. PNP leadership insists on “zero tolerance” and vows swift action against abusive personnel.

Still in other news, a tricycle driver and three of his passengers were killed in Tagkawayan, Quezon, when their vehicle was struck by a delivery van. The van driver claimed the accident was caused by brake failure while traveling down a sloping section of Quirino Highway. The tricycle was crushed and dragged underneath the heavy commercial vehicle. A fifth tricycle passenger sustained severe injuries and is in critical condition in the hospital.

Source: KAMI.com.gh