MANILA: Seven police officers and civilian employees were wounded in an explosion inside their station in Pampanga province.

In a report Wednesday, the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) said the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday inside the San Simon Municipal Police Station in Barangay Santo Niño, while the victims were preparing for a dinner party.

Investigation showed that the explosion was caused by the leaking butane cylinder attached to the portable stove used by the victims.

Injured were town chief of police Maj. Leonardo Lacambra, Staff Sgt. Mary Jane Genobili, Staff Sgt. Jay-R Mabborang and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) Rolalyn Pascua, Marvin Novesteras, Rowena Ignacio Celestial and Euis Pauig.

They sustained first-degree burns and were rushed to the ASCOM Hospital in Apalit, Pampanga by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel.

‘So far, the chief of police, one police officer and one NUP had burns on their faces so they remain in the hospital and they are under observation,” Pampa
nga PPO director Col. Jay Dimaandal said in a phone interview, adding that the other victims have been discharged.

Police are investigating the incident.

Source: Philippines News Agency