9 hurt in LPG blast

MANILA, Philippines - Nine persons, including a 10-month-old boy, were injured after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gas tank exploded Sunday, police reported yesterday.

Rushed to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) for burns were neighbors Richan Retiro, 30; Juicy Reyes, 41; Jaypee Bansuelo, 12; Jonnabel Bansuelo, 36; Jayson Lloyd Ballera, 11; Wilson Retiro; Erica Retiro, 10; Richard Obella, 27; and baby Richan Retiro Jr., all of Sitio Belmonte Road in Barangay Pag-asa.

According to a report, the incident happened at around 9:30 a.m. at the house of Richan Retiro Sr., himself a victim.

Reports said the older Retiro was cooking lunch when the gas tank exploded as he lit up the stove.

The fire caused by the blast razed the kitchen. No other persons were reported killed or injured in the blast.

The victims were immediately taken to the nearest hospital. Authorities said a followup investigation is underway.