Explosion at Pampanga Police Station Injures Seven During Dinner Party Preparation

PAMPANGA, PHILIPPINES — An explosion at the San Simon Municipal Police Station in Barangay Santo Niño, Pampanga province injured seven individuals, including the town’s chief of police and several other officers and civilian employees. The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday as the team was preparing for a dinner party.

According to Philippines News Agency, the explosion was triggered by a leaking butane cylinder connected to a portable stove being used by the victims at the time. Those injured in the blast include the town chief of police, Major Leonardo Lacambra, Staff Sergeants Mary Jane Genobili and Jay-R Mabborang, as well as non-uniformed personnel Rolalyn Pascua, Marvin Novesteras, Rowena Ignacio Celestial, and Euis Pauig.

The victims sustained first-degree burns and were immediately taken to the ASCOM Hospital in Apalit by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel. Col. Jay Dimaandal, director of the Pampanga PPO, stated in a phone interview that while most of the injured have been discharged, the chief of police and two others remain hospitalized due to burns on their faces and are under close medical observation.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the explosion to prevent such incidents in the future.