Four persons, including a two-year-old boy, sustained second-degree burns after a butane canister exploded reportedly in Sitio Upper Cadiz, Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City.

The incident happened on February 10, 2024 at 6 p.m. while one was cooking dinner.

The Tingub Emergency Rescue Unit (ERU) responded to the incident immediately, however one of the victims, including the child, sought medical aid only in the morning of February 12, 2024.

Oliver Bandulan, 45 years old, one of four hurt, said he suspected that the canister had a leak.

“Di na mo-function, di na mo-on ba, nya gipugos sige'g lisô-lisô, kalit man nibuto, naa gyud to’y leaking, mao to pag-ulbo,” Bandulan said.

Dr. Phyllis Bidon, medical officer, confirmed of the second-degree burns suffered by Bandulan and the child.

“Second-degree burns, kadto naay burot, gamay ra ang areas, dili kaayo daghan. Ang usual gi-dressing namo diri, unya antibiotics, then tetanus prophylaxis; daily ang dressing,” Dr. Bidon said.

The other two persons were taken to the hospital immediately, according to Tingub ERU.

One was identified as Jonel Alburo, the boy's father; and Jonel's brother, Jonie.

It was a good thing that the cooking was done outside of the house, the Tingub ERU observed.

“Gi-on nila, gahi man. Wa man siguro to matarong og saksak, nisiyok unya way alamag nisiyok, ila ra sad gi-on,” Kenneth Capul, a responder said.

It took a while to persuade Bandulan to seek medical treatment. He said he is afraid of needles.

“Niingon siya nitago siya. Maong wa dayon siya maapil sa girespondehan kay nahadlok kuno siya sa dagom,” Ronald Malabosa, another responder said.

The public has long been warned by authorities against the use of substandard, hazardous butane canisters. But the public continues to patronize unsafe products because these are cheap.

“Mao gyud na ang ilaha nganong mogamit sila kay maoy maabot nila," Tingub Barangay Councilman Randy Daso said.

Meanwhile, SFO3 Edgar Vergara, chief investigator of the Mandaue City Fire Station, said that the use of butane canisters is allowed but only the safe, thick, modern cans.

“Kadtong refill nga dunay [pagtugot] sa DOE, kadtong safety nga can. Baga, modern, mao nay angay unta gamiton pero, usahay naa gyuy makaipsot mogamit gihapon sa nipis kay barato ra man gud,” Vergara said.