7 hurt in Pampanga steel plant explosion

MANILA, Philippines — Seven persons, including a Taiwanese, were injured when a leaking oxygen cylinder exploded at a steel plant in San Simon, Pampanga on Saturday.

The incident occurred at around 10 p.m. at the SKK Steel Corp. in Barangay Santa Monica, according to Col. Jean Fajardo, Pampanga police director.

The victims were brought to different hospitals for treatment of burns on the body. They were identified as Daniel Bognadon, Russel Bondoc, Glenn Gano, Angelito Espiritu, Jerudio Malo, Jessie Uy, and Taiwanese Cheng Chen Chung.

Of the seven, only Malo suffered second-degree burns and remained confined in a hospital in San Fernando City, according to Maj. Freddie Herry, San Simon police chief.

The rest were discharged after receiving treatment.

Probers are coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection in the investigation of the incident.