Man killed, 11 others injured in steam boiler explosion

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - A man died while 11 workers were injured after a steam boiler exploded in a wood factory in Bunawan village in the city Monday afternoon. An initial investigation conducted by SPO1 Mariano Operario, investigator of the Bunawan police station, identified the fatality as Austio Albelda, 41, resident of purok Leo, Lasang, Davao City. Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo Albelda worked as a laborer at Chaverson Wood Industry Corporation located at sitio Matarlo, Mahayag, Bunawan. The injured victims, who were all brought to the Davao Medical Center for minor wounds, were identified as Guillen Jacaac, Echon Entino, Reil Cagaan, Gabriel Serrano, Amelia Ocaba, Elena Gregori, Rene dela Torre, Felipe Alonzo, Elizer Restauro, Jomel Pagalan and Sofronio Niño. All are workers of the said factory. According to Operario's report, the steam boiler exploded around 2:45 p.m. when its safety valve malfunctioned. Albelda was declared dead on the spot. Authorities are set to conduct further investigation on the incident. - Sun.Star