LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Nine families composed of 28 people lost their homes in a fire sparked by a fuel tanker that crashed into a warehouse in Barangay Puguis here before dawn on Sunday, Nov. 10.
A FUEL tanker crashed in Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad, Benguet, on Sunday, Nov. 10, triggering a fire that rendered 28 people homeless. (Contributed photo)
Police said the tanker driver who remains unidentified was killed and his passenger survived and is now being treated in a hospital.
Investigation said the tanker lost its brakes and rammed the warehouse in front of a police station. The tanker exploded and caused a fire that spread to six nearby houses and business establishments.
Fire Senior Insp. Jeric Ramolete, ground commander, declared the fire under control at 3:36 a.m. Fire out was declared at 5:12 a.m.
Damage to property was placed at P11 million.
Families who lost their homes were taken to the Puguis Elementary School while the Municipal Health Services Office conducted a checkup of affected residents with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Cordillera Administrative Region.
The Municipal General Services Office and La Trinidad Fire Station has called the owner of the tanker to conduct a cleanup of the area.
The intersection of Barangay Puguis was temporarily closed to traffic and motorists were advised to take alternate routes.