16 individuals were left injured by the explosion caused by a leak from a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank inside a laundry shop in Malate, Manila on Monday night.
According to Manila Police District (MPD), the seven casualties were admitted to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the other seven were brought to Adventist Medical Hospital, and the two to the Ospital ng Maynila.
Injured victims who were brought to PGH were identified as Julius Opaque, Marilyn Viray, Clarence Cabrera, Jimmy Cabrera, Dionisio Aguinsatan, Janine Aguinsatan, and Jaille Fito.
Other casualties recognized as Ken Santos, Ten Pizaña, Freddy Boy, Reuben Burgenio, Oceana Larlena Shane Costaños, Angel Vivas, and Jose Luis Mattias Montilla were admitted to Adventist Medical Center, while the other two injured were Almonsor Panda Moro and Alyssa Paliwan Concha were admitted at the Ospital ng Maynila.
MPD spokesman PCapt. Philip Ines said the explosion happened at around 7:19 p.m. inside 360 Wash Laundry Shop, Mac Torre Residence along 2223 Fidel Reyes St., cor. Noli St., Barangay 708, Malate.
According to a witness named Edward Patalita, he heard a loud explosion, which made the ground shake.
"Malakas na malakas tapos niyanig ang lupa ng pagsabog po," he said.
"Yung dalawang gwardiya po, nakita ko nung sumabog, natamaan po sila sa ulo bagsak ng bubog tapos hindi nila alam ang gagawin nila, na-shock po sila," he added.
On the other hand, Brgy 708's chairman Roderick Relivo said that he was shocked by the sudden explosion.
He also explained the root cause of the incident, saying that the hose was detached from the LPG tank.
"Napag-alaman namin, na yung babaeng ano ng laundry lumabas," he told DZRH.
"Kasi napansin niya yung hose tanggal, lumabas siya para humingi ng saklolo. Ngayon, ang nahingian niya ng saklolo para patayiin ang LPG, 'yon ang naapektuhan noong biglang sumabog," he further said.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University (DLSU), as well as its student council told the students to evacuate and seek medical attention if needed.
Per the university, the explosion did not reach the campus, but the students who were near the vicinity received minor injuries and were immediately given first aid and medical attention.
Manila Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) said the unit had responded to give first aid to the victims.
Watch the CCTV footage of the incident:
