LPG leak causes panic in Makati

The foul odor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leaking from a defective valve of a Petron station located at the corner of Makati and Gil Puyat Avenues caused panic among Petron personnel, workers in nearby offices and passersby yesterday afternoon.

The leak, which started at 4:30 p.m. yesterday, also resulted in a monstrous traffic jam as Makati City policemen and firemen started securing the area to prevent motorists from approaching the refilling station.

In an interview with radio station dzBB, Petron health and environment safety manager Carlos Tan said one of the middle valves of their main LPG tank leaked, and could cause an explosion if not attended properly.

He lauded the Makati City police, headed by Superintendent Gilbert Cruz; the Makati Fire Department, headed by Superintendent Jose Embang; and the Makati Rescue Team for their quick response.

Makati police secured the station and did not allow anyone to use electronic gadgets such as cell phones, i-Pods, radios, and cameras and ordered motorists not to come near. They said the use of these gadgets or the combustion of an engine could cause a spark and trigger an explosion.

Tan said a team of engineers from Petron took two hours to repair the valve and remove all flammable gas.

"We will have to conduct a general check-up of the entire connection and the tank of the LPG in this area to determine whether there are other leaks here. We also have to look into the main source of the problem.

The area was declared safe at 6:20 p.m. – Jose Rodel Clapano