Reuters AlertNet Lite - Death toll from Philippine gas truck blast hits 50

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

Death toll from Philippine gas truck blast hits 50

03 Feb 2007 06:21:06 GMT
Source: Reuters

MANILA, Feb 3 (Reuters) - The death toll from the explosion in the southern Philippines of truck carrying compressed carbon dioxide has reached 50, a senior military official said on Saturday.

The truck, which was originally thought to be carrying liquefied petroleum gas, exploded on Friday on a highway in Zamboanga del Sur province, around 500 miles (800 km) south of Manila. A packed passing bus took the full force of the blast.

"The death toll climbed to 50 and more than 40 are still in critical condition," Major General Raymundo Ferrer, commander of the army's first infantry division, said.

Ferrer said soldiers were still recovering charred body parts from a nearby ravine after a fireball destroyed the truck and bus.

The lorry's cargo exploded after the vehicle crashed into a wall and overturned following brake failure, police said.

Compressed carbon dioxide is used in carbonated drinks and aerosols.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• Philippines profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• ACT Appeal: Typhoon Durian - Emergency Assistance, REVISION 1
ACT - Switzerland

• Poor countries left trailing as companies exploit high commodity prices and lax tax regimes, says report
Christian Aid - UK

• The Philippines - Typhoon Durian: End of mission for TSF. More than 800 families and 13 organizations assisted
TSF - France

• Typhoon Durian: Surviving the Storm
Children Intl - USA

• Typhoon Seniang Batters the Philippines, ADRA Responds
ADRA - International

MORE >>

Latest news

• Death toll from Philippine gas truck blast hits 50

• Muslim rebels hold Manila's military chief hostage

• Muslim rebels hold Manila's military chief hostage

• Muslim rebels storm Philippine jail; 46 escape

• Gas explosion kills 26 bus passengers in Philippines

MORE >>

Last updated:Sat Feb 3 06:21:45 2007