Four students were electrocuted during a bubble fun run event at an elementary school in Cauayan, Isabela, Philippines, on Saturday (3 Oct).
Two students aged 7 and 8 reportedly died at the scene, while two others were brought to hospitals in the city for treatment.
A 9-year-old survivor reportedly sustained wounds on his arms and hands and was later discharged from the hospital. Meanwhile, a 6-year-old remained under observation.
The event, joined by over 1,000 people, began at 4am, but the incident was reported at 6.20am, according to Inquirer.
Participants ran for several kilometres before returning to the finish line inside the school, where they held the bubble party.
Source: @_reichang on Threads
“Many parents said they were constantly hearing the [buzzing of electricity],” Jeffrey Feliciano, a netizen who shared a video of the event, told ABS-CBN.
“Some parents even began calling their children over,” he added.
The video shared by Mr Feliciano reportedly showed kids playing in the foam when a young boy was suddenly found lying unconscious on the ground.
He immediately carried the child and brought him to the rescue team.
“I carried him and ran. But the child was already limp,” he recalled. “He appeared lifeless, since his lips had already turned so violet.”
Mr Feliciano said he also saw a young girl receiving CPR inside the rescue vehicle.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the children’s electrocution and how they came into contact with the electrical source.
Source: @_reichang on Threads
Meanwhile, the Department of Education’s local division office is coordinating with the local government and relevant authorities to provide assistance to the affected families.
According to The Manila Times, the grandmother of one of the victims criticised the organisers, saying their negligence led to the deaths of two children.
She was reportedly against her granddaughter joining the bubble fun run event as it cost Php350 (about S$7), which they could have used to buy rice.
Also read: M’sian student dies in school after getting electrocuted at ablution area
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Featured image adapted from Jeffrey Feliciano on Facebook, @_reichang on Threads.