Three boy scouts were killed and 12 more were injured when they were electrocuted while camping in the Philippines.

The schoolboys were setting up a canopy tent when its tip struck a low-lying electric cable at the Climaco Freedom Park in Zamboanga City on December 12.

The powerful current surged through the tent's metal poles and zapped the youngsters. They were given first aid before being rushed to a hospital, but three of them died in the ambulance.

The casualties were identified as Kevin Emmanuel Iguid, Geoffree Guilar Atilano, and Alvin Aguilar Gasfar, all 17.

Twelve other schoolboys were injured.

Police Staff Sergeant Alwasier Ladja of the Zamboanga City Police Office said the boys had volunteered to move the canopy tent from the roadside into the camp. He said: 'Unluckily, the pointed tip of the tent accidentally hit the live wire of Zamcelco (Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative).'

One of the boy scouts present said: 'While they were carrying the canopy tent, it was caught on the wire. There were sparks all of a sudden and they were convulsing on the ground.'

The incident occurred during the 2024 Zamboanga Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). The event was attended by more than 500 schoolboys. It was cancelled following the electrocution.

Jose Rizalindo Ortega, BSP-Zamboanga Council chairperson, said: 'The Boy Scouts of the Philippines takes full responsibility. What happened was unforeseen, and no one wanted it. Whatever assistance we can provide, we will.'

Local electricity provider Zamelco said in a statement that the company was cooperating with investigations.

The statement read: 'We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking event, and our thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones in this incredibly painful time.

'May the souls of these young boy scouts rest in peace, and may their families find strength and comfort in the days ahead.'