Fire hits Makati restaurant; 2 hurt

MANILA, Philippines - A liquefied petroleum gas tank exploded at a restaurant in Makati City yesterday afternoon, starting a fire and injuring two workers.

A loud explosion was heard in the kitchen of the Original Savory restaurant on Constellation street in Barangay Bel-Air at past 4 p.m., city fire chief Ric Perdigon said.

Mario Mansimbang suffered cuts on his hands and Arnel Pagulayan suffered burns. They were working in the kitchen when the explosion and the fire occurred, Perdigon said.

The explosion damaged a nearby bakery and a house behind the restaurant.

Firefighters put out the fire about 40 minutes after it broke out. Perdigon estimated the damage caused by the blaze at P2.3 million.