Sagada miners die of gas poison in Itogon mine tunnel

ITOGON, Benguet – Two small-scale miners, both natives of Sagada, Mountain Province died of gas poisoning inside a mine tunnel here Tuesday.

The victims were named as Astrid Guitelen 22, of Barangay Bangaan, Sagada and Jomar M. Lay-os 23, of Fidelisan in the tourist town and residents of Antamok, Ucab, Itogon.

A police report said both entered the tunnel operated by one Angie Ognayon at level 70 Antamok around 5 p.m. to fix their mine blower.

However, after about four hours of staying inside they failed to come out prompting their companions to follow and found that both approximately 200 meters from the entrance lying on the ground.

They were retrieved by their companions and rushed to Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center where both were declared dead on arrival. Their remains were brought home by their relatives to Sagada.