Second fatality in Navotas ammonia leak found

by Marc Jayson Cayabyab (The Philippine Star), 5 Feb 2021

MANILA, Philippines — A second fatality was found yesterday near the blast site of an ammonia tank leak that hit a cold storage facility in Navotas.

The body of Joselito Jazareno, 54, was discovered beside the surge tank that leaked ammonia at the TP Marcelo Ice Plant and Cold Storage in Barangay Northbay Boulevard South Proper.

Jazareno, the plant’s electrician, was not immediately found on Wednesday because he hid after the explosion, Navotas fire marshal Crossib Cante said.

Cante said the blast may have been caused by pressure that built up inside the ammonia tank. Ammonia is used as a refrigerant.

Investigation showed that the tank exploded, causing ammonia to leak, Tiangco said in an interview on One News/TV5 yesterday.

Tiangco clarified that his mother only owns a portion of the shares of the company, which she and her siblings inherited from her parents.

Gilbert Tiangco, 44, an employee of the ice plant, died after the incident.

At least 96 people were brought to different hospitals for treatment after they were exposed to ammonia fumes, according to city hall.

The company will shoulder the victims’ burial and medical expenses, according to Tiangco.