A DELIVERY rider lost his life on Sunday, August 9, after a tree and an electric utility pole collapsed on him while he was taking shelter along Circumferential Road in Antipolo City.
Antipolo City Mayor Jun‑Andeng Ynares confirmed the tragedy, stating that the rider had sought refuge from the weather when the heavy rains and winds caused the tree and pole to topple onto him. The incident occurred amid continued inclement weather brought by the Southwest Monsoon, which has saturated the soil and weakened vegetation across the region.
Rescue teams immediately rushed the victim to the Rizal Provincial Hospital System (RPHS) Antipolo Annex 2 for urgent medical attention, but he succumbed to his severe injuries shortly after arrival. The Antipolo City government has pledged full assistance to the victim’s family, including covering the costs of his wake and burial, and coordinating with his relatives who are traveling from out of town to make necessary arrangements.
Following the accident, response teams and rescue personnel conducted clearing operations at the scene to remove the fallen tree and pole, clear debris from the roadway, and restore normal traffic flow.
Motorists were advised to avoid the area temporarily while the hazard was being cleared. The incident has drawn renewed attention to the dangers posed by weakened trees and infrastructure during periods of heavy rainfall, prompting local authorities to urge residents to remain cautious and avoid taking shelter under trees or near utility posts during storms.
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