CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Thousands of mall goers on Sunday evening caused panic when a soda CO2 tank at a fastfood outlet "popped" in an "explosive" manner.

The alleged blast sent people running out of the mall due to information that a "bomb exploded" inside the mall premises.

However, Police Inspector Louie Sason clarified that no bomb or improvised explosive device exploded inside the said mall.

He explained that the popping sound came from a CO2 tank of a soda machine of a fast food chain. "Nagleak yung soda machine at yung pressure yung nag-create ng parang explosive sound. It's just like a soda in a can tapos bigla mong binuksan, ganun lang siya."

Sason stressed that no injury or casualty was recorded and the incident was immediately put under control by the mall's engineering team.

Meanwhile, the mall management said that they are still verifying source of messages earlier circulated on social media regarding potential threats of visiting commercial establishments around the province, including the said mall, which added up to the tension.

The mall management also stressed that they will continue to be alert and committed to the security and well-being of their customers, tenants and employees.

Authorities also asked the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information to avoid creating tension and panic but also reminded people to remain vigilant and alert on suspicious activities.