LPG tanker mishap causes 10-hour traffic jam

MANILA, Philippines - A tanker loaded with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crashed and fell on its side on the Tramo flyover in Pasay City at past midnight yesterday.

The accident, which happened at around 1 a.m., crippled southbound traffic along EDSA as far as Cubao, Quezon City for around 10 hours, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

The agency deployed two cranes to remove the tanker. MMDA Chairman Emerson Carlos said the tanker was removed by 11 a.m. and the flyover was reopened to traffic.

According to an investigation by Pasay City police, Efren Canillo, 47, was driving the tanker on the flyover when a Toyota Innova allegedly tried to overtake the tanker.

Canillo said he veered to the right and lost control. The tanker hit the right wall of the flyover and a street lamp, then fell on its right side, occupying two lanes.

The driver was transporting 18 tons of LPG from Island Gas’ depot in Bataan to its plant on Virata Street in Pasay.

Rescue personnel and firefighters rushed to the scene to prevent a fire. They took out fire hazards, including the tanker’s batteries, ABS-CBN reported.

Carlos said an investigation is being conducted to determine Canillo’s culpability.