ILOILO City – The City Engineer’s Office (CEO) assured the public that streetlight cables in the city are safe, following the death of a man who was electrocuted by a streetlight near The Atrium mall along Gen. Luna Street, City Proper, on Feb. 6.
Joel Gerasmia, chief of staff of the CEO, explained that the streetlight cables are housed securely inside junction boxes and are designed to be underground for safety.
He expressed surprise that a long, exposed wire had emerged from the junction box.
“All the streetlight cables in the area and other parts of the city are underground. The cables are secured inside the junction box for safety. That’s why we’re puzzled about how a long, exposed wire ended up outside,” Gerasmia said.
The 45-year-old man reportedly touched a grounded wire exposed due to a damaged streetlight cable in the junction box.
Gerasmia suggested that the rain-soaked ground could have amplified the electrical current, leading to the fatal electrocution.
He also raised questions about why the man was in the area, which is not commonly used as a walkway or passage.
Gerasmia further confirmed the rising problem of cable theft from streetlights in the city. He revealed that several individuals have been apprehended stealing cables, particularly along the Esplanade, where Green Guards caught some offenders.
The stolen cables are often sold to junk shops due to their high resale value.
“We appeal to the public not to touch the streetlight cables because they are live wires that can cause death if mishandled,” Gerasmia stressed.
The CEO continues to investigate the incident while urging residents to avoid tampering with streetlight cables to prevent further accidents and fatalities./PN
