A freak explosion at a shopping mall in Calapan City Thursday morning left 15 people seriously injured, police said.
In a statement released, Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) police chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said four restaurant employees, one delivery boy, and 10 other unidentified victims were hurt in the blast which happened at around 10:20 a.m.
The explosion at the restaurant, which was located on the first floor of the Xentro Mall also damaged 12 vehicles parked nearby.
Calapan City administrator Raymund Ussam said in an interview with CNN Philippines they were monitoring the conditions of the victims who were sent to three different hospitals.
No deaths have been reported so far.
Authorities were still investigating, but Ussam said initial findings indicate gas leak as the possible cause of the explosion.
“Initial findings showed an alleged gas leak in the area of the Korean restaurant.” Ussam said.
“An LPG pipe was seen in the area, it might be the cause.” he added
“The ceiling collapsed but the structure was not totally damaged.” Ussam said.
At least 15 people were injured in an explosion due to a suspected gas leak inside a restaurant in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro on Thursday morning.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 4B (Mimaropa) chief Brig. Gen. Joel Doria said the blast happened around 10:20 a.m. inside Mr. Won’s Samgyeopsal Korean Restaurant located at the Xentro Mall in Barangay Lumangbayan, Calapan City, injuring four staff members, one delivery man, and 10 other unidentified individuals.
Twelve vehicles sustained varying degrees of damage from the blast.
In response, Doria said immediate action was taken by activating the Incident Command Post (ICP) in coordination with the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) and the Calapan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.
Doria assured the public that they are working closely with the BFP to facilitate a thorough investigation of the incident.
“In light of this unfortunate event, PRO MIMAROPA would like to assure the public that utmost efforts are being made to ensure their safety and well-being. Our law enforcement personnel are working closely with the BFP to gather all necessary evidence and information to facilitate a thorough investigation,” said Doria in a statement. Vince Lopez
Doria emphasized that the situation is being given the highest priority.
“We understand the concerns and anxieties of the community, and we want to emphasize that the situation is being given the highest priority. We urge the public to remain calm and cooperative with the authorities,” he said.
“Any information related to the incident that may assist the investigation should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through the designated hotlines,” he added.