Kathmandu— US-based healthcare company Blackstone Medical Services is facing public outcry after footage emerged of a manager at its Colombian facility seemingly discouraging employees from evacuating following Monday’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which killed over 200 people and left thousands missing in western Colombia. The video, filmed in Medellin, shows the manager stating that those who leave work without authorization could face consequences, prompting accusations of prioritizing business continuity over employee safety. Founded in 2012 and specializing in sleep apnea testing, Blackstone Medical Services operates a Colombian facility providing support services for its US operations.

Viral Video Sparks Outrage

A video circulating on social media shows Jack Munoz, identified by local media as a manager at Blackstone’s Medellin operation, addressing employees shortly after the earthquake. In the footage, Munoz states, “I’m not going to give you the order to leave: whoever wants to leave can leave, but if nothing happens today, you will have to answer for abandoning your post.” The video quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from social media users who flooded the company's Google profile with negative reviews.

Calls for Government Intervention

The incident has also attracted attention from Colombian political figures. Former Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino called for immediate intervention by the Labor Ministry, expressing concern that employees who speak out about the situation could face disciplinary action. “This cannot go unpunished,” Sanguino wrote on X (formerly Twitter), urging authorities to provide assistance to the workers.

Company Defends Response

Blackstone founder and CEO Vick Tipnes defended the company’s actions, stating that the earthquake struck before the office's normal opening time. According to Tipnes, approximately 90% of employees were not present at the facility when the quake occurred. He also stated that those employees who were in the building were evacuated and the premises inspected before staff resumed work.

Blackstone Medical Services has not issued a further public statement regarding the incident as of Tuesday evening, but Colombian authorities are expected to investigate the matter.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.