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Saturday, February 03, 2007
Over 20 killed, 13 wounded in tanker explosion
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Twenty-three people were reported killed while 13 others were wounded when a chemical tanker exploded at around 11 a.m. in Barangay Maragan, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur province.
A Zamboanga Peninsula police official said it is possible that the number of casualties would increase, pointing out they were not yet able to account for several people.
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Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Jaime Caringal said some of the victims were trying to help the driver of the tanker who met an accident in the area. While at it, the tanker suddenly exploded. He said among those killed was the driver of the tanker.
Tigbao Mayor Edmundo Dalid said the tanker skidded and overturned and many Maragan residents rushed to the accident site to find out what happened.
Caringal said other victims included commuters who were passengers of a public utility bus that was passing by the area when the tanker exploded. The ill-fated bus was only a few meters away from the tanker during the explosion.
"It is difficult to estimate the exact number of victims. We have yet to check all the hospitals in the province," Caringal said in a phone interview.
First Army Infantry Division Commander Raymundo Ferrer, based in Pagadian City, said there were body parts strewn across the explosion site. He said the bodies of those killed in the blast were "mutilated."
Also, at least 13 people had to be recovered from a cliff where they were thrown by the impact of the explosion.
A motorcycle was also damaged in the explosion.
Ferrer said that he dispatched soldiers under his command to help in the rescue and retrieval operations.
According to Caringal, the tanker was loaded with carbon dioxide, a colorless and odorless gas used in refrigeration, carbonated drinks, and fire extinguishers. (Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (February 3, 2007 issue)
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