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An elderly father and his two daughters sustained burns after a leaked liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank exploded inside their apartment along Santol Street, Barangay Bagbaguin, Valenzuela City.
In a “24 Oras” report by Gabriel Gonzales on Friday, the incident happened at around 9:00 a.m. on August 27, 2026.
Due to the impact of the blast, a motorcycle and several other items parked in front of their house were knocked over. Moments later, CCTV footage showed several neighbors rushing out of their homes.
“Nakarinig po kami ng malakas na pagsabog. Dali-dali po kaming bumaba, nakita ko po yung bayaw ko lumabas po ng pinto. Sabi niya sa’kin, ‘[Heidi], tulungan mo si tatay,’” said Heidi Garcia, a relative of the victims.
(We heard a loud explosion. We quickly ran downstairs and saw my brother-in-law come out the door. He told me, “[Heidi], help father.”)
“Pero ngayon po tatlo na po sila nasa East Avenue [Medical Center]. Nakaano po sila dahil kailangan daw pong i-intubate,” she added.
(Now, all three of them are at the East Avenue [Medical Center]. They are being monitored because they reportedly need to be intubated.)
The LPG blast triggered a fire, prompting local authorities and firefighters to respond to the scene to contain the blaze and assist the victims.
“Ginawa na ho namin yung trabaho namin. Nilatag namin ‘yung mga hose. Tapos ang naabutan namin doon mga nagpa-panic na tao,” said Louie Limen, a responding officer of Brgy. Bagbaguin Fire and Rescue Volunteer Brigade.
(We immediately did our job and laid out the hoses. When we arrived, people were already panicking.)
“Pinasok ko po kahit malakas ang usok, tapos saka ko binomba,” added John Aries Matias, another responding officer.
(I went inside despite the thick smoke and sprayed it with water.)
The interior of the home was gutted, destroying several household appliances.
The victims’ relatives said the LPG tank was located near the sink, where the family was likely cooking before the explosion occurred.
Due to the intensity of the blast, the house across from the victims’ apartment was also damaged.
“‘Yung bintana, kisame, ito, tapos ‘yung mga bubong pumasok sa loob. Siguro isa rin akong [masasabing] injured,” said Marilyn Senar, a resident living directly across from the victims’ house.
(The window, ceiling, and parts of the roof collapsed inward. I suppose I can also consider myself among the injured.)
Authorities also suspect an LPG leak caused the explosion. Investigations into the incident are underway as the three victims continue to receive medical treatment.
The victims’ families are appealing for financial assistance, particularly for the elderly victim, who has a heart condition, and one of the daughters, who is a solo parent. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/LDF, GMA News
