15 DLSU students, residents hurt in gas explosion

AT least 15 De La Salle University students and residents were injured when an LPG tank in a laundry shop exploded along Fidel A. Reyes St. in Malate, Manila around 7:10 pm Monday.

Campus journalists from DLSU student publications The La Sallian and Ang Pahayagang Plaridel were among the first at the scene and reported the explosion.

Manila Police District Station 9 confirmed to republicasia that a fire occurred as a result of gas leak explosion from 360 Wash. Firemen quickly put out the fire around 7:30 pm.

Injured students

The 360 Wash laundry shop is located near a coffee shop and billiards table where students hang out. The place is less than one kilometer away from the university proper along Taft Ave.

The medical team Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office responded immediately to the distress call.

The MDRRMO told republicasia that based on initial reports from their first responders, at least 15 people were injured.

Thirteen of the injured were rushed to three hospitals — Philippine General Hospital, Adventist Medical Center Manila in Pasay City, and at the Ospital ng Maynila. Among those injured, one suffered serious burns and as of this writing is undergoing treatment at the PGH.

Seven of those injured were brought to Adventist Medical Center.

Then, five people were rushed to Ospital ng Maynila. Two were treated at the DLSU Clinic.

The La Sallian and Plaridel also reported that “several injured are being treated in the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.”

Aside from the injured, cars parked along the street were also damaged.

The National Bureau of Investigation Counter-Terrorism Division also came at the fire scene to determine whether the explosion was an act of terrorism, The La Sallian said.

DLSU President also responded at the scene to calm down students who witnessed the explosion as well as those living in condominiums around the area.

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photos courtesy: The LaSallian, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel