Up to 32 individuals were injured in the explosion at a commercial building in Legazpi City, Albay, according to the Legazpi City Police Station. 

All injured individuals were brought to a nearby hospital and received medical attention.

Investigation is focusing on gas leak as cause of the explosion, which happened during the blessing of a newly opened food stall near midday on July 27, 2024.

Chalimar Serrano, a witness, said it felt like an earthquake struck when the explosion happened.

"Nagluluto po ako that time tapos bigla po akong may narinig na pagputok po, akala ko po transformer tapos nung lumabas po ako nakita ko sumabog po yung sa building po... sobrang lakas niya po para po siyang lumindol," Serrano said.

The explosion damaged the building, including the ceiling and roll-up doors, as well as multiple stalls.

Several vehicles parker outside were also damaged.

The PNP Explosive Ordinance Disposal Group (PNP-EOD) has assured the public that the explosion was but an accident and not a terrorist act. 

team has inspected the entire building and found no bomb threat.

"Wala pong dapat ipangamba kasi wala pong terroristic act na nangyari, [it was] just an accident," PLTCOL. Rey Anthony Villanueva, Chief of Police of the Legazpi City Police Station, said.

The Legazpi City Police Station (CPS) received a call from 911 Legazpi at around 12 p.m.

Emergency responders, including the Emergency Quick Response Team (EQRT), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) were quick to arrive at the scene to provide assistance.

The injured individuals were transported to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Entry into the building is now strictly prohibited as investigations continue.