Two women were injured in an explosion believed to have been caused by a gas leak inside a residence in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on Monday, May 18.
The incident occurred at around 10:05 a.m. at a house on Pista Street, Barangay 352. Authorities said the case was reported at about 11:20 a.m.
Police identified the victims as Raquel Bayate, 57, and Evangelina Fernandez, 74, both residents of the said address.
Initial investigation showed that Bayate was about to cook when she turned on the gas stove.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the blast was caused by a gas leak from the hose connected to the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tank and the stove.
Fernandez, who was seated in front of the house at the time, was also hit by the flames and sustained minor burn injuries on both arms.
The incident was immediately reported by a witness, prompting personnel from the Manila Police District–Station 3 and the BFP to respond and conduct an investigation.
Both victims were brought to the nearest hospital for treatment, while authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.