Gas tanker loses brakes in Benguet capital; driver dead, helper hurt, fire broke out

Photo Courtesy of: Bombo Radyo

La Trinidad, Benguet (November 10, 2024)— A driver died while his helper was rushed to the hospital after the 10-wheeler gas tanker lost its brakes and fell on its side Saturday evening along barangay Puguis, here.

Authorities has withheld the identity of the driver and his helper.

La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda however detailed that the tanker was descending along the Longlong Road toward the Pico-Puguis area at around 11:30 p.m. Saturday when its brakes failed to engage.

The driver lost control causing the tanker to fall on its side and further slid down the road until it struck an establishment at the intersection of the Puguis main road.

After more than 30 minutes, the truck exploded, and the fire spread along the fuel-covered stretch of the road. 

Several residential and commercial structures and vehicles also reportedly caught fire.

The truck was reportedly carrying 30,000 liters of diesel and 10,000 liters of gasoline due for delivery at a gasoline station here.

The La Trinidad Fire station declared fire under control only at 3:30 AM Sunday while the fire-out declaration was only called at 5:12 AM.

Clearing operations in the area are ongoing, and an investigation was launched to assess the damages. 

The La Trinidad Fire Station however initially reported that six establishments were burned placing the total cost of damage at P11,000, 473.00.

Nine families (28 individuals) displaced by the incident are temporarily sheltered at the Municipal Health and Services.