College student dies after LPG tank explosion, family seeks help for other relatives

One of the three family members who were severely injured after an LPG tank exploded in Taytay, Rizal has passed away.

According to “24 Oras,” Friday, the LPG tank exploded while it was being installed inside the Bernardino family’s store.

Per East Avenue Medical Center’s Burn Unit, 32% of the store owner’s body, Marivic, was burned, while 22% of her son Ivan’s body was affected.

Her nephew, Jairo, who was a college student, sustained the worst injury, with the burns covering 40% of his body.

“Delikadong-delikado ‘yan. Basta 40% and above, delikado. ‘Yung face niya parang severely damaged eh. Usually, pagka LPG gas explosion, ang pinaka naapektuhan talaga [ay] ‘yung mukha, ‘yung limbs, upper and lower extremity,” said dermatologist Dr. Grace Beltran.

Jairo passed away on Wednesday before the arrival of his OFW mom.

“Sobrang bait po no’n. Tutulong siya kasi alam niya po mommy ko tsaka ‘yung kapatid ko ‘yung mag-aano ng pamasahe niya sa school,” Avielle Bernardino said.

Marivic and Ivan are still being monitored in the hospital's intensive care unit and are given medications.

“Pinapa-heal muna nila, ‘pag medyo lumiit-liit na, then they could get skin graft from other body areas,” Dr. Beltran said.

In just a week, Marivic and Ivan use up one antibacterial cream each, which costs P2,434.

“Kahit anong tulong po na mabibigay po. Medyo nahihirapan po talaga kami,” Avielle said.

For those who want to help, you may send your donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, GCash, Shopee, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA Integrated News