1 dead in acetylene blast

A 55-year-old businessman was killed while his helper was seriously injured after an acetylene tank they were using inside their welding shop exploded shortly before noon yesterday in Navotas.

Victim Reynaldo Ventura, owner of Ventrade Merchandizing located at 25 Leano street in Barangay Bangkulasi, died on the spot while his helper Jojo Carpio, 30, welder, of M. Tongco street, Bagumbayan South, also in Navotas, sustained severe leg injuries.

At around 11:50 a.m., the victims were reportedly fixing a leaking acetylene tank inside their welding shop when it accidentally caught fire and exploded right in front of them. – Pete Laude