Bulacan water tank explodes; 4 dead, over 40 hurt

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Philippines — Four persons died and more than 40 others were injured when a water tank exploded in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan yesterday.

Jimmy Garcia, 50; Elaine Chamson, 22; Jaina Espina 1, and Nina Ape, 1, were either pinned or hit by the debris swept away by rampaging waters from the tank at around 3:30 a.m.

The tank is 13 meters tall and 14 meters wide and can store up to 2,000 cubic meters of water. It is operated by the San Jose del Monte Water District.

The injured were brought to various hospitals, including the Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital in Sta. Maria town and the Bulacan Medical Center in Malolos.

At least 60 houses, two commercial establishments, a furniture shop, a gasoline station and several vehicles were damaged.

The Muzon-Marilao road was closed to traffic as responders removed mud and debris.

Photo shows one of the damaged houses. MICHAEL VARCAS

Superintendent Fitz Macariola, city police chief, said authorities have yet to determine what triggered the explosion.

“It’s still early to say there was sabotage,” Macariola said.

San Jose del Monte Mayor Arthur Robes told radio station dzBB that he sought the help of the Department of Public Works and Highways in their investigation into the incident.

Robes said the water tank is around seven years old and regulary inspected by the local water district.

He said the water district would shoulder the hospitalization and burial expenses of the victims.

The city government also distributed food packs to affected families. – With Ric Sapnu, Emmanuel Tupas, Ding Cervantes