Six killed in Keppel shipyard accident

Six workers have died as a result of an accident that occurred on Friday morning at Keppel Subic Shipyard (KSS) in the Philippines.

The incident occurred at around 10.20am (local time) at a dock where a vessel was being repaired. According to a company statement, a stern ramp fell on a scaffolding underneath a ramp where the workers were working. Five of the workers died while seven were injured. One of the injured workers later died in hospital on Friday night.

The yard has suspended work on the vessel pending further investigation. A taskforce comprising senior management from KSS and Keppel's headquarters from Singapore has been formed to look into further enhancing safety at the yard.

"We are saddened that this incident has happened and our foremost thoughts are with the affected workers and their families," said Keppel's president and general manager Mok Kim Whang. "We would like to offer our sincere condolences once again to the families of the victims and are extending the necessary funeral and financial assistance to the victims and their families."