FIFTEEN people were injured in an explosion allegedly caused by leaking gas in a Korean restaurant located at a mall in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro yesterday morning.
The incident occurred at around 10:20 a.m. at Mr. Won’s Samgyeopsal at Xentro Mall in Barangay Lumangbayan, according to Mimaropa Regional Police Director Brig. Gen. Joel Doria.
Doria said the blast injured four staff members of the restaurant, a delivery boy and 10 other individuals. He said the explosion also damaged 12 vehicles near the establishment.
Police said initial investigation showed the blast was caused by a gas leak although investigation is going on.
Calapan City Administrator Raymund Ussam said “the initial findings (showed) an alleged gas leak at the Korean restaurant.”
Ussam said the injured victims were brought to three hospitals. “Initial information showed some are employees, the rest are customers and people within the periphery of the restaurant,” said Ussam.
“In light of this unfortunate event, PRO (Police Regional Office) Mimaropa would like to assure the public that utmost efforts are being made to ensure their safety and well-being,” said Doria.
“Our law enforcement personnel are working closely with the BFP to gather all necessary evidence and information to facilitate a thorough investigation. We understand the concerns and anxieties of the community, and we want to emphasize that the situation is being given the highest priority,” added Doria.
