8 injured in Zambo LPG blast

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Eight people, including four minors, suffered second-degree burns when a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank leaked and exploded in a junkyard in Barangay Talon-Talon here yesterday, police said.

Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela, spokesman of the Western Mindanao police, said the accident occurred at around 1 p.m. at the scrap metal shop of the Lumasay family in Sitio Bagong Dalan.

The victims were identified as Fe, 35; Noel, 19; Diana Jane, 10; and Lucy, four, all surnamed Lumasay; Roel Alubang, 20; Ricky Aragon, 35; Ray John Aragon, eight; and Rosalie Urot, 16. They were rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Gucela said the junkshop reportedly bought an old LPG tank believed to have a leak, which caught fire when one of the victims reportedly ignited a stove.

Police are looking into the possible negligence on the part of the junkshop owner.