Gas leak downs studes

Afternoon classes in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila, were suspended yesterday after students and faculty members fell ill and experienced dizziness after inhaling fumes that allegedly leaked from the liquefied petroleum gas tank of the Shell Corporation in Pandacan, Manila.

Reports reaching the Tactical Operations Center of the Western Police District said that at about 1:55 p.m., students and faculty members of the university suffered dizziness and vomiting after inhaling the "acrid fumes coming from the nearby Shell storage tanks.

According to Senior Police Officer 3 Ben Faustino, the elements of the Pandacan Police Station determined that the leak came from the Shell depot complex located across the Pasig River.

It will be recalled that a similar incident reportedly occurred last Friday afternoon which also resulted in the suspension of afternoon classes at the PUP campus. However, officials of Shell and Petron which maintain depot facilities in Pandacan denied any leaks while they were on duty. – Mike Frialde