From Laughs to Hospital: Coconut Accident Interrupts Reels Filming
COCONUT – What started as a lighthearted Reels video in South Cotabato quickly turned serious when a falling coconut struck a man on the head.
A lighthearted video shoot took an unexpected turn in Banga, South Cotabato, when a man was struck on the head by a falling coconut.
The incident happened while content creator Ernesto Soriano Basinga, known as Enzo, and his relatives were recording a Reels video. Their plan was simple—pick coconuts, capture the process on camera, and share it online. However, the fun moment quickly turned into a cause for concern.
According to Basinga, he was picking coconuts from a tree while his brother-in-law assisted and his cousin filmed. Nearby, their relative Richard stood watching. As Basinga dislodged one coconut, it unexpectedly fell straight onto Richard’s head.
Despite the heavy blow, Richard initially managed to smile for the camera, though he was visibly in pain. His family quickly applied ice to his head, but when he began to feel dizzy, they rushed him to the hospital for medical evaluation.
Doctors performed an X-ray and CT scan to rule out any serious injuries. They explained that coconut-related head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe skull fractures or internal bleeding. Health experts also reminded the public to avoid putting pressure on the head if a fracture is suspected, to monitor breathing and alertness, and to seek immediate medical help.
Fortunately, Richard’s scans revealed no injuries, and he has since fully recovered. The family expressed relief that the accident ended without serious harm.
Looking back, Basinga said the experience taught them an important lesson about safety, especially when creating online content. “Safety should always come first,” he noted, adding that at least they now have both a story to tell and an unforgettable video to share.
What began as a casual content project now serves as a reminder that accidents can happen in the most unexpected moments—and that even something as seemingly harmless as picking coconuts can carry real risks.
READ ALSO: Pregnant Woman and Pet Dog Die After Coconut Tree Falls in Davao