Responsibility for Serendra blast undetermined

MANILA, Philippines—IT remains unclear who should be held responsible for the deaths of three persons in the Two Serendra blast in Taguig City after an investigation established the May 31 explosion was likely caused by a leak in the pipeline supplying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the affected condo unit.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday said the interagency committee tasked to investigate the incident was still uncertain if the gas leak was due to negligence on the part of Ayala Land Inc., owner and developer of Two Serendra.

“This is a very sensitive topic. That’s why we needed the help of the experts from UP (University of the Philippines) and DOST (Department of Science and Technology),” Roxas said in an interview.

Roxas also refused to set a deadline for the interagency committee to conclude its investigation, saying government investigators had been very careful in studying the evidence they had gathered.

The Two Serendra blast was so powerful it tore off a concrete slab that crushed an appliance store delivery van, killing its driver and two passengers.

As this developed, Ayala Land has decided to completely shut down the gas pipeline system of the condominium complex.

Roxas said Ayala Land president Antonino Aquino in a text message informed him of the developer’s decision to shut down the LPG system to allow engineers to inspect it.

“They shut down the gas system at Serendra for a thorough check. It’s a good first step,” Roxas said.

A safety inspection of each unit will start immediately after the issuance of notices to residents, Ayala said.

Roxas had earlier recommended an immediate and comprehensive check of the LPG systems of all residential and commercial establishments in Bonifacio Global City to ensure that all components, including fittings and meters, were safe.

Asked if the government had determined Ayala Land’s liability, Roxas said: “Not yet. We have to check the building plan and its pipeline system.”