Seven police officers and civilian employees were wounded in an explosion inside a police station in Pampanga province.
In an official report on Wednesday, the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) said the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday inside the San Simon Municipal Police Station in Barangay Santo Niño, while the victims were preparing for a dinner party.
The ongoing investigation showed that the explosion was caused by the leaking butane cylinder attached to a portable stove used by the victims.
Injured were town chief of Police Major Leonardo Lacambra, Staff Sargent Mary Jane Genobili, Staff Sergeant Jay-R Mabborang and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) Rolalyn Pascua, Marvin Novesteras, Rowena Ignacio Celestial and Euis Pauig.
They sustained first-degree burns and were rushed to the ASCOM Hospital in Apalit, Pampanga by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel.
“So far, the chief of police, one police officer and one NUP had burns on their faces so they remain in the hospital and they are under observation,” Pampanga PPO director Colonel Jay Dimaandal said, adding that the other victims have been discharged.
