1 dead after fuel tanker crash leads to fire in La Trinidad, Benguet

The driver of a Benguet fuel tanker died after his vehicle crashed into a store in La Trinidad, Benguet and ignited a huge fire that caused at least P11 million in damages, according to a report on 24 Oras Weekend.

In Vonne Aquino’s report, five houses and 11 vehicles were damaged by the blaze that occurred shortly after 1 a.m. on Sunday.

The municipality’s Rural Health Unit is also monitoring the medical condition of 29 persons.

The owner of the sari-sari store said there was an auto repair shop that also figured in the crash 

The La Trinidad Fire Station said the tanker turned on its side after the collision. 

Authorities said the tanker was carrying 40,000 liters of diesel fuel at the time of the accident.

“Nakarinig ako ng malakas na pagsabog akala ko may nagpapaputok lang ng fireworks… dumaloy ung gas sa kalsada kaya sinundan ng apoy yung gas sa kalsada.. malakas po yung apoy,” a resident told GMA Integrated News.

(I heard a loud explosion that I thought were fireworks… the gas spilled on the road so the fire followed it… the fire was pretty strong.)

Firefighters were attempting to rescue the driver who was inside the fuel tanker before it burst into flame.

“During the extrication during sa rescue doon sa driver na na-pin down eh not knowing na may biglang yun nga po nag spark, said SFO2 Oswald Ponso.

(During the extrication of our rescue of the driver who was pinned inside the fuel tanker there was a sudden spark.)

The driver died while his assistant was able to survive and was rushed to a hospital.

The fire was extinguished at past 5 a.m.

The La Trinidad Fire Stations has reached out to the company that owns the fuel tanker for siphoning, cleaning and the removal of the truck.

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, 29 persons were affected by the fire and smoke.

At least P11 million in damage was inflicted on the establishments and houses. The amount does not include the damage to the vehicles.

The Bureau of Fire Protection advised motorists, especially drivers of trucks carrying heavy loads or combustible materials, to make sure their vehicles are in proper running condition.

Police said they are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fatal accident. 
—RF, GMA Integrated News