Mother, son injured in LPG tank explosion receive support from GMA Kapuso Foundation

A mother and her son who were injured in an LPG tank explosion in Taytay, Rizal, last year received assistance from the GMA Kapuso Foundation for their medical treatment. 

According to a “24 Oras” report on Friday, the incident occurred when Marivic Bernardino, was connecting a new LPG tank at their family store when it exploded. 

Both Marivic and her son Aivan suffered physical injuries and emotional trauma from the explosion, while her nephew Jayrho passed away.

Marivic and Aivan continue to undergo therapy almost a year after the incident. Their skin has become sensitive and often get itchy, so whenever they go outside, they apply lotion and wear long sleeves for protection.

“May mga kailangan pa ring gawing operation kasi may nagdikit-dikit na sa kamay. Siguro mga five seconds lang na tamaan ka ng araw, makati na siya eh,” Aivan said.

They have since switched to using an electric stove for cooking and have taken precautions such as removing unused electrical plugs to prevent further accidents.

“Mayroon pa ring phobia, nag-ano na lang kami ng dekuryente muna. Tapos ‘yung mga saksakan, inaalis kapag hindi ginagamit,” Marivic shared. 

This Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) shared safety tips with the public to help prevent fires. 

Those using a portable or single stove must ensure proper ventilation and check for LPG leaks. 

The public is likewise advised to unplug unused devices, avoid overloading burners, and to only use DTI-approved appliances. 

“‘Yung sobrang bigat na pinapatong doon directly sa burner, huwag na gawin kasi madalas kasi gumagalaw-galaw 'yung burner at nagkakaroon ng leak,” BFP Spokesperson FSUPT Anthony Arroyo said.

"‘Yung mga hindi DTI-approved, mabilis na lumiyab, mabilis na sumasabog dahil nga substandard,” he added.

In case of fire, immediately call 911 for help. 

For those who wish to support Marivic and Aivan's therapy sessions, donations may be made via Metrobank, Land Bank, BDO, Bank of Commerce, UnionBank, PNB, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Lazada, and Shopee. Visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website for more information.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA Integrated News