TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat — A 35-year-old laborer sustained severe injuries after an oxygen tank reportedly exploded while he was refilling it inside a residence in Purok 8, Barangay Poblacion, Tacurong City, at around 11:20 a.m. on October 14, 2026.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim, identified only by the alias provided in the police report, was working as a laborer or helper and was a resident of Barangay Kenram, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.
Authorities said the victim was reportedly refilling an oxygen tank inside the Pacaña residence when the tank suddenly exploded, producing a loud blast. The force of the explosion resulted in the severing of his right leg, leaving him with severe injuries.
Personnel of the Tacurong City Police Station immediately responded to the scene after receiving a report of the incident. The injured worker was subsequently transported to Tacurong Doctors Hospital for immediate medical treatment.
To determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion, authorities requested assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Sultan Kudarat Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit. The responding agencies were tasked with inspecting the incident site, examining possible causes of the explosion, and ensuring that the area was safe.
As of the initial police report, the exact cause of the explosion had yet to be established and remained under investigation.
The incident has raised concerns over the risks associated with handling pressurized tanks, particularly when refilling operations are conducted. Such equipment requires proper handling, appropriate procedures, and strict compliance with safety standards to minimize the risk of serious accidents.
Police Regional Office 12 Regional Director PBGEN Alan B. Manibog expressed concern over the incident and reminded the public to exercise extreme caution when handling pressurized tanks and other potentially hazardous equipment.
“Ang kaligtasan ay dapat laging unahin sa paghawak at paggamit ng mga tangke na may presyon. Hinihikayat natin ang publiko na tiyaking sumusunod sa wastong proseso at pamantayan sa kaligtasan ang anumang gawaing may kinalaman sa ganitong kagamitan upang maiwasan ang mga aksidenteng maaaring magdulot ng matinding pinsala,” Manibog said.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident to establish what caused the oxygen tank to explode and determine the circumstances that led to the serious injury.
The police and concerned agencies reiterated the importance of observing proper safety procedures when handling pressurized equipment to prevent similar incidents and protect lives.