1 Tondo blast victim set for surgery; 3 others in ICU — DOH

Four of the six victims of an explosion in Tondo, Manila are currently undergoing medical treatment due to the severity of their injuries.

According to a statement Tuesday, the six victims are recuperating at the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) following the explosion.

Three of the victims had undergone surgery and are now recovering at the surgical intensive care unit, while another victim is set for surgery due to facial injuries.

DOH also shared that the youngest victim was a 14-year-old, who received traumatic brain injury with multiple fractures on the legs, arms, and gashes on the head and torso.

Meanwhile, two other victims have been discharged after being treated for minor injuries.

The six victims are recipients of the zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals recently enacted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following his fourth State of the Nation Address.

According to an earlier report from Unang Balita, the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon at Tayuman and Dagupan Streets in Barangay 234.

The blast left the victims bloody and injured on the sidewalk, including the 14-year-old victim who was declared in critical condition.

Barangay authorities reported that the victims were scavengers working on the sidewalk when the explosion occurred.

Police said the explosion was caused by a compressor the victims were attempting to salvage for parts. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News