17 injured in Korean restaurant explosion in Oriental Mindoro

The facade of a Korean restaurant is left shattered and dilapidated after an explosion in Calapan City. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo)

MANILA, Philippines — Seventeen persons  were injured after an explosion occurred in a Korean restaurant at a shopping center in Oriental Mindoro on Thursday morning, according to police.

Police Regional Office (PRO) Mimaropa (Mindoro Oriental & Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) said the blast occurred around 10:20 a.m. in a mall along Barangay Lumangbayan, Calapan City.

It was reportedly due to a gas leak.

Mayor Malou Morillo said in a statement that four employees of Mr. Won’s Samgyeopsal Korean Restaurant, a delivery boy, and several customers were injured in the blast that happened around 10 a.m. at the restaurant in Xentro Mall.

Morillo said that the injured were brought to nerarby hospitals.

“Initial investigation said the explosion came from the kitchen. Do not enter the mall yet. The incident manager will say when it is already safe to enter the mall,” said Morillo.

She said two other shops were also damaged.

The nearby Red Ribbon store sustained damage too. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo)

The Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) police office said 12 vehicles had varying degrees of damage from the gas leak explosion.

“We would like to assure the public of security and assistance in the ongoing investigation of the BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) on the incident.” Brigadier General Joel Doria, Mimaropa police chief, said in a statement.

“We understand the concerns and anxieties of the community, and we want to emphasize that the situation is being given the highest priority,” Doria said.

Shattered glass from the explosion causes damage to 12 cars. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo)

The police urged the public “to remain calm and cooperative with the authorities.”

“Any information related to the incident that may assist the investigation should be promptly reported to the nearest police station or through the designated hotlines,” the police statement said.

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