In an unexpected incident on Thursday, January 11, 2024, the LED wall at the Cebu City Sports Center collapsed while contingents were rehearsing for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan scheduled for Saturday, January 13. In a Photo captured by a witness, a member of the Banilad contingent was hit.
The incident caused concern and anxiety throughout the community, especially among the families of those involved in the rehearsal. The LED wall, housing a large screen used for visual presentations, suddenly fell, resulting not only in property damage but also jeopardizing the safety of people in the vicinity.
In the captured video, a mix of hope and fear is evident on the faces of those who witnessed the event. Rescuers and emergency response teams promptly moved forward to assist those affected. One member of the Banilad contingent was noticed to be injured and was immediately taken to the nearest hospital for urgent medical attention.
Authorities launched an investigation to determine the cause of the LED wall collapse. The condition of the structure and the quality of its construction are also being scrutinized. It is not yet clear if there were issues with surveillance or maintenance of the LED wall that could have led to the accident.
Amidst the tragedy, the local government, emergency response agencies, and the community united to aid those affected. Proper attention was given to the injured, and officials pledged their full cooperation in the investigation to hold accountable those responsible for this accident.
Despite this challenge, progress and improvements in the safety of event venues are expected, along with a thorough audit of structures throughout the province. This incident serves as a reminder to everyone about the importance of safety and vigilance to prevent such accidents in the future.