1 dead, 28 displaced in Benguet fire

BENGUET, Philippines – One person died while 28 people were displaced after a gas tanker truck crashed into a warehouse and caused a fire that spread to nearby commercial and residential structures in Puguis, La Trinidad early morning of Sunday, November 10.

Local authorities said the driver of the gas tanker died while nine families or 28 people were displaced following the blaze. The estimated damage to residences and commercial structures was placed at over P11 million.

The accident occurred around 12:53 am, when the vehicle reportedly experienced brake failure and crashed into a warehouse in Barangay Puguis. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after but faced challenges as the driver’s body was trapped in the cab and subsequently engulfed in flames, according to Fire Office 1 Wylene Smith of the Bureau of Fire Protection-La Trinidad.

The assistant of the driver, who survived the crash, was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The fire consumed the warehouse and extended to nearby homes. Fire out was declared at 5:12 am.

BFP-La Trinidad is investigating the incident. – Rappler.com