9 killed in LPG blast

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines  – A six-wheeler truck carrying hundreds of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders crashed into a roadside eatery and a parked car, triggering an explosion that burned to death nine people – including a two-year-old boy – and engulfed a row of houses in Carmona, Cavite past midnight yesterday.

The accident came a day after a speeding sport utility van rammed an electric post, killing seven passengers in Dasmariñas town, also in Cavite.

The victims in yesterday’s accident were burned beyond recognition.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo, Calabarzon police director, said the accident happened at around 1 a.m. in Barangay Bangkal when the truck with license plate VRA-361 and driven by Merco Lachica was heading for Biñan, Laguna from Calamba carrying more than 500 LPG cylinders.

The truck was registered in the name of Amada Francisco Yulo of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro.

Radio station dzBB’s Denver Trinidad said at least six of the nine fatalities were from the King James eatery.

They were eatery owner Jocelyn Bascugin and sons James, 2, and Jonald Bascugin, 12; and helpers Natalie Roa, 21; Julie Ann Vergara, 18; Joy Ann, 21; and Jeremy, 25. The two other fatalities were not immediately identified.

At least one person was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital, dzBB said.

Añonuevo said Lachica lost control of the wheels while trying to overtake another truck.

After hitting an electric post and a parked car with two people inside, the wayward vehicle careened toward the eatery and a row of houses.

Lachica and truck helper Joel Jocaban fled after the accident. Two other helpers, John Esmilla and Wifredo Espatero, are in police custody.

Senior Superintendent Danilo Maligalig, Cavite provincial director, said the LPG tanks were thrown out of the truck after the railing holding them snapped.

Witnesses said sparks from the fallen electric post might have caused the tanks to explode. There was also reportedly a small bonfire in the area at the time of the accident.

Maligalig said the fire was put under control after an hour.