Cargo ship explodes; 13 injured

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines  – A cargo vessel loaded with some 40,000 liters of gasoline exploded near a private port in Pasacao, Camarines Sur Wednesday afternoon, leaving all its 12 crewmen and a 11-year-old boy injured, the Coast Guard said yesterday.

Commander Nelson Torre, Coast Guard District-Bicol chief, said the M/V STC Jeffrey Roy exploded while its captain, Nathan Balbona, 53, was igniting the engine.

The blast also took place shortly after all 150 drums containing the 40,000 liters of gasoline bound for Romblon had been loaded.

Torre said the vessel was a total wreck, with only its hull floating near the Olivan pier in Pasacao town. The Olivan family is the biggest dealer of diesel and gasoline in Camarines Sur.

Balbona and his crewmen, along with 11-year-old Jerwin Roy, suffered burns and blisters and were rushed to the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City. Balbona was reported to be in serious condition as of press time.

Torre said no oil spillage was observed, which could mean that the gasoline was totally burned during the accident.

“But we are still waiting for the final report up to this time,” Torre said, adding that this was first accident involving a gasoline-laden cargo vessel in Bicol. –Cet Dematera The Philippine Star with Celso Amo, Evelyn Macairan