5 water tank mishap victims still in hospital

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY , Philippines  —  Five of the more than 40 persons who were injured when a water tank collapsed here on Friday are still confined in three hospitals.

One of the victims is being treated at the Bulacan Medical Center and two each are at the Skyline Medical Hospital and Grace General Hospital.

Those who suffered minor injuries were sent home immediately after receiving medical treatment, according to Ronald Soriano of the city information office.

Soriano did not mention the condition of the five patients.

The management of the Water District of San Jose del Monte will shoulder the medical expenses of the patients, according to Mayor Arthur Robes.

Four died in the accident. They were identified as Jimmy Garcia, 50; Elaine Chamson, 22, and one-year-old girls Jaina Espina and Nina Ape.

The water district also committed to shoulder their burial expenses, Robes said.

The incident left several houses and vehicles damaged.

The mayor refused to give details, noting the task force he created to investigate the incident has yet to come up with a final report.

The task force is composed of officers from the city engineer’s office, city police, Department of Public Works and Highways and the water district.