In a devastating incident at the Boy Scouts of the Philippines campsite in Mount Abong-Abong, Zamboanga City, three senior scouts lost their lives and ten others were injured due to electrocution. The tragedy unfolded on Thursday morning, just before the commencement of the 2024 citywide BSP Jamborette, when a canopy being set up for shade accidentally touched a live electrical wire.
Jose Rizalino Ortega, the chairperson of the BSP-Zamboanga City Council, explained that the canopy was meant to provide shelter for the younger scouts participating in the Kid and Cub Scouts Palaro. He emphasized that these younger scouts were only visiting the campsite for the event and not staying there.
Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin from the Zamboanga City Medical Center reported that the three deceased scouts, aged 22, 18, and 17, were pronounced dead upon arrival despite resuscitation efforts. The victims hailed from the Barangays of Sta. Catalina, Pasonanca, and Tetuan. The ten other victims, including children aged 9, 11, and 12, are currently stable and under medical observation.
In response to the accident, Ortega stated that the BSP-Zamboanga City Council would assume full responsibility. The jamborette, which was set to continue until December 15, was immediately canceled. Ortega expressed deep condolences to the families affected by this tragic event.