4 scavengers injured in Tondo explosion

MANILA, Philippines — Four male scavengers were injured following an explosion in Tondo, Manila yesterday afternoon.

Probers said the incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. at the corner of Tayuman and Dagupan streets in Barangay 234.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were dismantling what appeared to be an air-conditioning compressor when it exploded.

Barangay 54 councilman Nino Cervantes told police that the scavengers may have tampered with the object, which triggered the explosion.

The victims, who remain unidentified, suffered injuries. They were taken by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to the Tondo General Hospital and Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

Personnel of the Manila Police District-Explosive Ordnance Division responded to investigate the explosion.