Cellular phone triggers blast

This should serve as warning to all.

A senior police officer was injured Friday afternoon after a gasoline pump he was operating exploded while using his cellular phone in Quezon City.

Reports showed that SPO4 Primo Agpaoa, of the Central Police District Gasoline Division, was trying to send a text message while filling up the vehicle of a colleague when the gas pump exploded inside CPD Headquarters in Camp Karingal in Sikatuna Village.

The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. and operatives of the City Fire Department were able to immediately contain the fire.

CPD officials, however, are trying to withhold additional information on the incident and would not even give details on the current condition of the victim.

Manuals on the use of cellular phones usually warns users that a gasoline station is a "potentially explosive atmosphere" and that users are advised to turn off their units while in the area.

"Sparks in such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury of even death," one such manual states. "Users are advised to switch off the phone when at a refueling point. Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often but not always clearly marked. They include below deck on boats, chemical transfer or storage facilities; vehicles using liquefied petroleum gas; areas where the air contains chemicals of particles such as grain, dust of metal powders; and any other area where you would normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine."

Meanwhile, a drunk Japanese national was arrested by the Pasay City police for disturbing the peace Friday night in front a girly joint in Roxas Boulevard.

Police identified the man as Kazuhiro Uno, 37, of Isagani Street, Taytay, Rizal. He is now detained at the Pasay City police detention cell and is facing charges of alarm and scandal.

Case investigator Senior Police Officer 2 Antonio Conlu said Uno was arrested at around 10:15 p.m. in front of the Miss Brunette Disco Club and Restaurant along Roxas Boulevard.

A heavily intoxicated Uno reportedly ran to the middle of the street and began shouting and challenging everybody in sight to a fight.

Soon after, the Japanese caught the attention of patrolling policemen, members of the Motorcycle Unit Quick Reaction Team.

It was not clear, however, if Uno was a customer of the said establishment.

Uno reportedly tried to resist arrest but eventually gave himself up. – Nikko Dizon