Construction worker killed in acetylene tank explosion in Manila

A construction worker was killed after an acetylene tank exploded in Quiapo, Manila, on Wednesday, according to the Manila Police District.

Based on the police report, the victim was using a welding machine when the acetylene tank exploded around 10:40 a.m.

The victim, who sustained multiple injuries to different parts of his body, was rushed to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital but later died.

The police said the explosion also resulted in some damage to private property.

According to Mariz Umali's "24 Oras" report, the site is a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in which the bottom of the river is cemented in order for water to flow faster.

“Hinihinala natin na yung tangkeng 'yun ay sumingaw na sa ilalim kung kaya naging resulta yung pagsabog,” said Police Captain Dennis Turla, Manila Police District Chief, Homicide Division. 

(We suspect that the tank leaked and caused the explosion.)

The investigators discovered that the tanks were left under the barge, which they said may have been stored there even after the work. 

“Posible na nakalimutan nilang patayin or baka may leak na rin talaga yung tangke. Maaaring may nagspark dahil dun at ito na nga ang nagtrigger para sumabog yung ilalim ng barge,” said Turla. 

(They might have forgotten to turn it off, or the tank leaked. It's likely that there was a spark which caused the bottom of the barge to explode.)

Because of the exploson, the steel barge on the backhoe was raised up.

The walls of the shacks in the area were also destroyed. There were also broken windows on the mosque and establishments 50 meters away.

“Napakalakas, akala namin transformer, acetylene pala. Tinakbo namin sa ospital humihinga pa nung una tapos pag-check ng doktor sa ospital dead on arrival na,” said Barangay Kagawad Ralph dela Cruz. 

(It was loud; we thought it was a transformer, but it turned out to be acetylene. We ran to the hospital. The victim was still breathing at first, but when the doctor checked him at the hospital, he was dead on arrival.)

The fatality sustained multiple injuries to different parts of his head and body. 

Another individual was hurt but is now in good condition. 

The construction company where Esplago worked expressed condolences to his family and assured them to cover their expenses.

Meanwhile, the project operation has been suspended while the investigation is still ongoing. —with Sherylin Untalan/ VBL/NB, GMA Integrated News