12 hurt in LPG tank explosion in Laguna

Twelve people were injured when a liquefied petroleum gas tank exploded inside a house in Kalayaan, Laguna, a report on GMA News' Unang Balita said Thursday.

Most of them suffered burn injuries as a result of the blast.

Initial investigation showed a man identified as Roderick Belgica was fixing the hose of the LPG tank in his house in Brgy. Longos. Since it was brownout then, he lit a candle. The tank immediately caught fire and exploded.

Belgica is in critical condition at the hospital, while his mother suffered third-degree burns.

His wife was also injured, as well as three children who were at the time buying something from his store.

Seven others were also injured.

The victims were immediately brought to General Juan Cailles District Hospital in Pakil. Some of them, however, were transferred to Philippine General Hospital in Manila.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is conducting an investigation on the incident.

The Department of Energy has earlier issued tips to ensure safety when using LPG:

• Check the rubber tube of the LPG tank if it has cracks.
• Change the rubber tube once every two years.
• Store the LPG tank in an upright position and make sure it is on level ground.
• Check for leaks by using a soap solution.
• Do not place the LPG tank near appliances that heat up.
• Do not store the LPG tank under the sun or leave it out in the rain.

—KG, GMA News