Driver dies as truck carrying 40,000 liters of fuel explodes in Benguet

Benguet. INQUIRER FILES

BAGUIO CITY — A tanker that was transporting about 40,000 liters of diesel fuel and gasoline exploded and caused fire.

This happened after the vehicle figured in a road accident in La Trinidad, Benguet between midnight Saturday, November 9, and early dawn Sunday, November 10.

The truck driver, who was not identified in the reports, died instantly.

28 others were injured when, as a result of the first mishap, six houses and establishments were razed at around 1:11 a.m. in a section of the road near Puguis Elementary School.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda gave this information to the Inquirer.

The wounded were taken to the Municipal Health Center for treatment.

Damage to property was initially pegged at P11 million.

Salda said the truck was descending along Longlong Road going towards the Pico-Puguis area when the tanker lost its brakes, which caused the driver to lose control, at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday.

The vehicle fell on its side and slid down the road until it hit an establishment at the intersection of the Puguis main road.

After more than 30 minutes, the truck exploded and the fire spread through the fuel that covered the portion of the road where the vehicle slid.

Some residential and commercial structures and vehicles also caught fire.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-La Trinidad declared a fire-out at around 5:12 a.m.

Authorities reported that the truck was carrying 30,000 liters of diesel fuel and 10,000 liters of gasoline that were about to be delivered to a gas station in La Trinidad.

Investigation on this incident continues.