16 hurt in Manila laundry shop blast

MANILA, Philippines — At least 16 people, including students, were injured in a blast caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leak at a laundry shop in Malate, Manila on Monday night.

The blast at 360 Wash and Laundry Shop along Fidel Reyes street caused a fire and damaged the laundry shop, student dormitory, billiard hall and restaurant in the commercial building, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

The fire reached first alarm and was put out at around 7:30 p.m., according to the Manila fire district.

The razed building is near De La Salle University along Taft Avenue.

The university, in a statement on its Facebook page, confirmed that some of its students in the vicinity suffered injuries, adding that counseling services are available for those affected by the incident.

A dzMM report said at least 10 students were affected by the blast. LPG tanks are used for the dryers of the laundry shop, according to police probers.

The blast caused injuries to 16 people who are laundry personnel, customers in the restaurant and billiard hall, dormitory boarders and a passerby, according to the MPD.

Four teenagers – Ken Santos, 19; Ten Pizaña, 18; Jose Luis Mattias Montila, 18, and a 17-year-old – and adults Reuben Burgenio, Freddey Boy and Angel Vivas were rushed to the Adventist Medical Center in Pasay.

Seven victims were taken to the Philippine General Hospital in Manila: Julius Opaque, Marilyn Viray, Clarence Cabrera, Jimmy Cabrera, Dionisio Aguinsatan, Janine Aguinsatan and Jaille Fito.

Two more – Almonsor Panda Moro and Alyssa Paliwan Concha – were brought to the Ospital ng Maynila.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the gas leak and explosion as well as determining the amount of damage.