2 hurt in septic tank blast

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – Two construction workers were injured when a septic tank exploded in the Science City of Muñoz Thursday.

Ernesto Constantino Jr. and Edwind Fulgerao were taken to the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center for treatment, said Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director.

The workers reportedly poured calcium carbide (kalburo) in the tank, supposedly to remove its stench, said Superintendent Michael Angelo Zuñiga, city police chief.

Zuñiga said the chemical might have caused the explosion, which occurred at around 9:30 a.m. on Sampaguita street in Barangay Poblacion West.