At least 15 individuals were hurt with two reportedly in critical condition in an explosion inside a Korean restaurant in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday morning.
In a report from the Police Regional Office MIMAROPA, the injured individuals include four of the restaurant's staff members and its delivery boy, and 10 other unidentified persons. They were brought to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH) and Ma. Estrella General Hospital (MEGH).
The explosion also damaged adjacent establishments and two vehicles parked nearby.
Authorities said the incident happened at Mr. Won's Samgyeopsal Korean Restaurant at Xentro Mall in Barangay Lumangbayan at around 10:20 AM.
"We understand the concerns and anxieties of the community, and we want to emphasize that the situation is being given the highest priority," PRO Mimaropa chief Police Brigadier General Joel Doria said in a statement.
“We urge the public to remain calm and cooperative with the authorities," he added.
Initial investigation points to a gas leak as the cause of the blast.
