2 Pinoys hurt in construction mishap in Riyadh

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) - Two Filipino workers were hurt in a construction accident at the Princess Noura University in Riyadh last January 24.

The Philippine embassy in Riyadh said it sent a 3-man team to the worksite and was informed by Fernando Obeso, safety officer of Saudi Oger company, that one of the Filipino workers was hit by a falling debris and suffered a fractured leg.

Obeso added that another Filipino suffered a back injury because of the construction accident, the embassy said.

Reports said about 20 workers were at the site during the accident. Three have been confirmed dead -- a Bangladeshi, a Lebanese and a Nepali.

Nine others were injured and taken to the Kingdom Hospital, Obaid Hospital, and National Hospital.

The accident happened Monday morning when a steel scaffolding on one side of the 7-storey University Library collapsed. The scaffolding was set up for marble-tile-setting work on the wall.

The Philippine embassy said that the Saudi Civil Defense office has begun investigation to establish the cause of the accident.

It said it is coordinating with the Saudi Oger company on the medical care extended to the two injured Filipinos.

Meanwhile, Migrante-Middle East Chapter, expressed concern over other Pinoy workers in the university construction.

"What worries us is that there are a number of OFWs working on that project, based on our estimate, there are about 300 to 500 OFWs," said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East Chapter Regional Coordinator.