A tricycle in General Santos City caught fire as welding works were being done on the vehicle morning on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Based on investigation, the tricycle owned by 52-year-old Rommie Malaras was being repaired when sparks from the welding process triggered the fire.

Residents nearby tried to put out the fire using a fire extinguisher but the flames spread quickly and reached the vehicle’s gasoline tank.

Firefighters controlled the fire later.

Malaras said he did not get to ply his route as his tricycle brought in for welding repairs caught fire.

“Naa koy gipa welding sa footrest. Siyempre, ninghapit ko dinhi sa shop para magpa-welding. Karon, na welding man, ang problema siyempre, gipatuwad ba nako [ang tricycle] para madamay ang ilawom. Bigla na lang nidakop ang kalayo,” Malaras said.

The welder claimed that the fire may have started after a spark plug was not removed immediately.

“Wala man niya giibot ang spark plug niya diri… siya na man nag-ingon nga dili na tanggalon,” the welder, Dogong Darius, said.

Authorities are still assessing the damage while the driver and the welder are expected to settle the matter.

“Sa akoa lang, dili ko magkaso sa iyaha kay kasabot pud ko sa iyaha. Ang ako lang, ma-settle kay pigado man gud,” Malaras said.