A tricycle driver was electrocuted early Friday after his vehicle made contact with a fallen power line that had been knocked down by a private truck in Barangay San Vicente Central, Calapan City, reports said.

The incident occurred around 2:15AM on January 31, 2025 along Leuterio Street, according to an official statement from the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) addressing social media posts about the accident.

ORMECO’s maintenance team first received reports of a power outage in the area at 2:09AM.

Upon arrival, they found both the severed service drop wire and the electrocuted driver at the scene.

Police and emergency medical responders arrived shortly after, according to initial reports.

Despite offers from the maintenance team to transport him to the hospital, the driver allegedly refused medical assistance, the cooperative said.

However, in a Facebook post by EA Dris, the driver disputed ORMECO’s claim that he simply refused medical help.

“How could I go to the hospital when I don’t have money?” he wrote in Filipino. “I was told that they wouldn’t shoulder the expenses but that I could file a claim later.”

The driver argued that ORMECO should take responsibility for the accident since their electrical infrastructure and power supply “almost killed” him.

“Why should I be the one to chase after claims? Isn’t this somehow your responsibility since it’s your electrical cable and your electricity that nearly caused my death?” he said in his post.

In its statement, ORMECO cited its commitment to public safety while clarifying its policy on accident-related expenses.

“Treatment costs for accidents considered force majeure or beyond the cooperative’s control are not covered by our obligations,” the coop said.

However, ORMECO indicated it remains open to providing assistance through proper channels.

“While we cannot assume direct responsibility, our office welcomes formal coordination for possible financial aid, subject to appropriate procedures,” the cooperative added.

As a member-owned organization, ORMECO stressed that all expenditures must adhere to established guidelines and legal requirements.

File photo: Obtained at Ormeco’s FB Page