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Worker dies after falling from resort elevator shaft
A 58-year-old worker died after he reportedly fell from an elevator shaft at the Laolao Bay Golf and Resort in Kagman 3 last Sunday night.
Jose Mertola, a Filipino, suffered multiple lacerations to the head, right arm, left ribs, and right inner thigh. He had an open fracture wound to the left leg, according to Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services spokesman Derek Gersonde.
Mertola was transported to the Commonwealth Health Center emergency room, where Dr. Florence Schenker pronounced him dead at 9:06pm.
Gersonde said Mertola was found at the bottom of the elevator shaft and that employees stated that prior to that he was seen working in an area in the elevator that was 20 to 30 feet in height.
Department of Public Safety acting spokesman Jason Tarkong said yesterday that preliminary investigation showed that the cause of death was accidental.
Tarkong said the investigation is ongoing and that he has yet to receive copy of the police reports.
Gersonde said that, on Sunday at 7:09pm DFEMS received a call from DPS 911 dispatch about a possible missing person last seen working in the elevator shaft at Laolao Bay Golf and Resort.
Medics and firefighters from Garapan, Kagman, and Susupe fire Stations responded to the scene.
Gersonde said while DFEMS personnel were on their way to the scene, 911 dispatchers notified them that the victim was found at the bottom of the elevator shaft and was unresponsive, motionless, and not breathing.
Upon arrival, DFEMS personnel checked the victim for a pulse and lung sounds.
Gersonde said after DPS crime scene technicians processed the scene, medics transported the victim to CHC.
Gersonde said information regarding the cause or investigation should be referred to DPS.
It’s not clear yet whether Mertola was a maintenance worker at the resort.
A source said Mertola had in his hand a box cutter.
DPS is expected to release more details about the incident today, Tuesday.
Saipan Tribune tried to reach the hotel management yesterday, but no one was available to comment.
