A 46-YEAR-OLD employee of a water utility company landed in the hospital after he lost his right foot, which got stuck in a suction pump.

Renato Peroso, in an interview, said he had to slice his foot with a knife to free himself from the machine.

Before the accident happened around 4 p.m. Monday, April 30, Peroso was asked to go overtime to clean the water treatment area of Cebu Manila Water Development, Inc. (CMWD) in Barangay Luyang, Carmen, Cebu. The company expected a high-profile visitor.

While cleaning, he slipped and slid. He had no safety gear.

His right foot got stuck in the suction pump. A fellow worker stopped the machine.

Peroso asked for a knife and cut his foot off. He was later rushed to a public hospital in Danao City and transferred to a private hospital in Cebu City for further medication.

He said the company promised to shoulder the hospital bills and medicines.

Peroso said he feared that he might lose his job after he is discharged from the hospital. He was assured by his superior not to worry.

"Hinaot dili ko tangtangon, (I hope I won’t get fired)" said Peroso, who added he blamed no one as it was accident. (KAL/SunStar Cebu)