Sulfuric acid leak triggers trailer explosion

MANILA, Philippines - A trailer loaded with sulfuric acid was damaged by an explosion while being pulled by a truck on East Service Road in Parañaque early yesterday morning.

Driver Alfonso Orolfo, 30 told police he heard a loud explosion at the back of the truck. No casualties were reported.

He immediately brought the vehicle to the side of the road, he added.

Chief Inspector Enrique Catignas Sy, Police Community Precinct 3 commander, said the truck was also loaded with potassium placed in a sack and coconut oil in a separate container. The chemical products will reportedly be used for industrial purposes in a factory in Laguna, he added.

Police said initial investigation showed the explosion was triggered by a leak in one of the containers carrying the chemicals.

The truck is registered under the name of a certain Darryl Co, according to Fire Officer 3 Roberto Bautista.  – Rhodina Villanueva