BOY, 13, CRUSHED BY BASKETBALL STAND TO DEATH IN PAMPANGA

BY KEVIN GALANG

A  13 –YEAR –OLD boy on Wednesday was crushed to death by a movable basketball goal post in an unfinished covered court in Bgy. San Isidro, Magalang, Pampanga.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3)  director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, the victim was identified only as “Dee,” a 13-year-old student and a resident of Bgy. San Isidro. 

The tragedy occurred at the San Isidro Basketball Court in San Isidro Resettlement area in Bgy. San Isidro.

Initial investigation showed that personnel of the Magalang Municipal Police Station learned about the incident through a post on the Facebook page “Magalang Concern Magaleños.”

Operatives led by Lt. Col. Fercel D. Deloria immediately  went to Bgy. San Isidro to verify the report and conduct an investigation.

Barangay captain Rodolfo D. Banal provided police with CCTV footage showing the victim and two other male minors entering the barricaded premises of the unfinished San Isidro Covered Court around 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday.

The footage showed the three minors climbing the basketball stand. The back portion of the backboard was seen shaking as the children climbed on the structure.

The victim then reportedly held onto the basketball ring, causing the basketball stand to lose its balance and topple.

The structure fell onto the boy, resulting in his death.

Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the entry of the minors into the barricaded area and the condition and safety of the unfinished basketball structure.