High-wire drama causes Christmas morning blackout in Davao City
- Several barangays in Davao City experienced an emergency power outage on Christmas morning after a man climbed an electric post and walked on the wires in Barangay Ilang
- Davao Light and Power Co. was forced to cut the electricity supply to the 69kV line to ensure the man's safety during a tense rescue operation involving police and the BFP
- Authorities revealed the man was suffering from hallucinations and admitted to illegal drug use, claiming he climbed the pole to escape a dog he imagined was chasing him
- While the man was rescued unharmed and power was restored by the afternoon, he is now facing charges of alarm and scandal for the disturbance
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For many residents in Davao City, Christmas morning is usually reserved for opening gifts and gathering with family.
Source: UGC
However, this year’s holiday calm was shattered in Barangay Ilang when a distressing spectacle unfolded high above the streets, plunging several neighborhoods into darkness.
The incident began around 8:49 a.m. on December 25, when a man was spotted scaling a high-voltage electric post.
Witnesses watched in horror as he began to walk precariously across the lower cables, dangerously close to the deadly 69kV transmission lines.
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Fearing for the man’s life and the safety of the public, the Davao Light and Power Co. (Davao Light) made the immediate decision to implement an emergency power interruption.
This safety measure, necessary to facilitate a rescue, de-energized the lines connected to the Pampanga Substation.
Consequently, residents in Purok 6, Buhisan, and Tibungco, stretching to the Km 18 National Highway, as well as areas from Bunawan to Panacan, found their holiday celebrations interrupted by a sudden blackout.
Local law enforcement quickly cordoned off the area to manage the growing crowd and secure the site.
A tense standoff ensued as rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Davao Light linemen strategized on how to bring the man down safely without triggering an arc flash or a fall.
After hours of negotiation and careful maneuvering, authorities successfully rescued the man, bringing him back to solid ground unharmed.
Power was fully restored to the affected barangays shortly after noon, allowing residents to resume their festivities.
However, the investigation into the incident revealed a troubled backstory. According to police reports, the man’s brother disclosed that he suffered from a mental health condition.
It was later determined that the man had fled a construction site in Samal Island the previous night, around 10:00 p.m., following a drinking session.
In a statement to investigators, the man claimed he climbed the post because he was being chased by a dog and was experiencing terrifying hallucinations.
He reportedly admitted to using illegal drug$, which likely contributed to his erratic behavior.
While the story ended without loss of life, the disruption caused significant inconvenience. Police have confirmed that the man will face complaints for alarm and scandal for the holiday disturbance that left parts of the city powerless.
In other news, the holiday festivities turned tragic for two minors who required finger amputations following severe accidents involving firecrackers. As of December 27, the Department of Health has documented 91 separate incidents of fireworks-related trauma across the country. Data indicates that young males are the primary victims, with the majority of accidents attributed to the use of banned or illegal pyrotechnics. In response to the surge, health authorities are intensifying their public safety campaigns, emphasizing the importance of immediate and correct first aid for blast injuries.
Still in other news, a 56-year-old resident was found dead in the coastal waters of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, sparking alarm in the local community. Based on the severe wounds observed on the body, locals strongly suspect the victim was mauled by a saltwater crocodile. Reports indicate the man had ventured out to gather firewood for sale to support himself before the fatal encounter occurred. Local officials have urged residents to exercise extreme vigilance near the water, citing a concerning pattern of recent wildlife attacks in the region.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
