QC blast leaves 1 dead, 6 injured

MANILA, Philippines - A man died while six others were injured after an acetylene tank exploded at a metal fabrication shop in Quezon City yesterday.

The fatality was identified only as “Junjun.” He was declared dead on arrival at the FEU Hospital in Fairview, said Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Chief Superintendent Richard Albano.

The explosion occured at around 10:45 a.m. inside the steel fabrication shop owned by Reynaldo Bernas, located at the corner of Sta. Monica and Sta. Catalina streets in Barangay Holy Spirit.

Injured in the blast were Albert Legaspi, Ailyn Dapitan, Ariel Pastrana, Romnick Javeria, Leonillo Basinillo and Alejo Brioso.

Brioso was rushed to the FEU Hospital. The others were taken to the East Avenue Medical Center.

QCPD Station 6 commander Superintendent Eleazar Matta said they were still investigating the explosion.

He said the blast destroyed the shop, tore off its roof and shattered the windows of neighboring houses.

Police will check if the shop has a permit to operate.