ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — Seven people died in a suspected gas poisoning incident inside a tunnel portal in Sitio Dontog, Barangay Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, on September 30, as confirmed by the Provincial Government of Mountain Province in a social media post.
According to the Mountain Province local government unit (LGU), six of the deceased were residents of Barangay Bana-ao, Tadian, Mountain Province, while the remaining victim was a native of Cagayan Valley.
Based on an initial incident report from concerned authorities, a witness reported the suspected gas poisoning incident on Wednesday evening, prompting an immediate emergency response and retrieval operations.
Local authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the precise cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Provincial Government of Mountain Province extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“We stand in quiet solidarity and prayer with the families and the people of Tadian. The Provincial Government remains committed to providing the necessary support and assistance during this difficult time,” the post read.