Electrocution Claims Lives of 3 Boy Scouts, with 12 Others Injured
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three boy scouts tragically lost their lives, and 12 others were injured after being electrocuted during the 2024 Council Scout Jamboree on December 12. The scouts were relocating their tent at Climaco Freedom Park in Pasonanca when the tent’s tip accidentally came into contact with a live wire.
The three scouts who were electrocuted died, while the 12 others sustained electrical burns. Thankfully, they are reported to be in stable condition. The local government, deeply shaken by the tragedy, decided to cancel the remaining days of the jamboree, which was originally set to host around 2,000 scouts.
According to initial reports, the accident occurred when a group of about 15 scouts was moving a tent. The pointed tip of the tent touched a dangling live wire, causing an electric shock that threw the scouts to the ground. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, three boys were declared dead. The other injured scouts were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Mayor John Dalipe decided to halt the jamboree after a meeting with officials and scout leaders. The news quickly spread, prompting concerned parents to rush to the park to bring their children home. Maribeth Jacobe, a parent of one of the scouts, emphasized that while she would allow her son to participate in future activities, she called on organizers to prioritize safety measures to prevent similar incidents.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the accident as they seek to understand what went wrong and how to ensure the safety of participants in future events.
Meanwhile, according to sja.org.uk, if someone is electrocuted, first ensure the area is safe and avoid touching the person while they are still in contact with the electrical source. If possible, disconnect the power or use an insulating object to move them away. Once contact is broken, check if the person is breathing and call emergency services. If necessary, perform CPR and keep them warm until help arrives.