Backhoe hits LPG tank, triggers fire at Shaw gas station

Fire hit a gasoline station on Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City late Friday afternoon.

According to the Metro Manila Development Authority, a construction accident caused an explosion at the Petron gasoline station in Barangay Wackwack.

Motorists were advised to steer clear of the area.

The fire was declared under control at about 5:20PM.

SFO3 Victorio Tablay, Mandaluyong Fire Department Investigation Section Chief initially said the fire was triggered when a "condemned" LPG tank was struck by a backhoe at a construction site near the gas station.

"Ang termino po nila is condemned na yung tangke. Kaya lang, hindi pa naman siguro maiwasan na may natira pang fumes. Yun po ang ating sanhi," Tablay said.

Firetrucks have been positioned at the site and Wackwack Road has been cordoned off by firemen.

The open fire of a nearby fishball cart had reportedly ignited fumes from the LPG tank.

An initial investigation showed that "leaking gas" from the Petron gas station caused was the fire that led to the tank explosion, a report from BFP Mandaluyong City said on Saturday, adding that the fire reached the first alarm.

A total of three people who suffered burns from the incident were taken to the hospital including the backhoe operator, the fishball vendor, and a balot vendor.

The "explosively raging" fire totally burned one motorcycle and damaged a passing Toyota Fortuner.

Estimates pegged the damage at P500,000. —NB/LBG, GMA News