KORONADAL CITY, (Philippines): A 35-year-old worker lost his right leg after an oxygen tank exploded while he was refilling it at a house in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, on Wednesday (Oct 14), police said.
The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) said the incident happened around 11.20am in Purok 8, Barangay Poblacion.
Based on the initial police investigation, the worker, a resident of Barangay Kenram in nearby Isulan town, was refilling an oxygen tank inside a residence when it suddenly exploded, severing his right leg.
Police officers who rushed to the scene brought him to Tacurong Doctors Hospital for treatment.
Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, PRO-12 director, reminded the public to exercise extra caution when handling oxygen tanks and other equipment containing pressurised gas.
“Safety should always come first when handling and using pressurised tanks. We encourage the public to follow proper procedures and safety standards to prevent accidents that could cause serious injuries,” Manibog said.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion.
The Bureau of Fire Protection and the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit were also called in to inspect the area and help determine the cause of the blast. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
