Jul 042013
 
Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has promised a “thorough and conclusive” investigation — with the help of foreign experts — on the deadly May 31 Serendra blast that claimed its fourth fatality Thursday morning.

Angelito San Juan, occupant of the condominium unit where the explosion occurred, perished Thursday morning at the hospital without giving a statement that could have helped investigators get a clear picture on the incident.

“Our sympathies go to the family and loved ones of Angelito San Juan for their grievous loss,” Roxas said in a statement as he appealed for calm amid the ongoing probe.

“Dapat siguro magpakahinahon tayo dahil hayag po at transparent ang ginagawa ng gobyerno dito,” he added.

Roxas said foreign experts have already been tapped to help in the investigation. “Kumuha pa tayo ng foreign experts dahil kulang tayo sa karanasan at kaalaman sa pag-imbestiga ng pangyayaring ito,” he said.

Prior to San Juan, three workers from an appliance distributor firm were killed when their vehicle was crushed by a concrete slab that fell from the condominium unit following the explosion.

Initial investigation said the blast was caused by a leak from condominium unit’s centralized LPG system, although Roxas said there are still many questions that need answers.

“Malinaw na gas explosion. Ang tanong, saan ba pumalpak ang sistema? Mali ba ang design? Yung mga sensor at saka yung mga automatic na shutoff ay pumalya ba? Yung installation sa unit ginalaw ba o hindi? Hindi natin masabi kaya kumuha tayo ng expert,” he said.

Meanwhile, Serendra Inc. said it is “saddened” by San Juan’s death.

“We are saddened by the demise of Mr. Angelito San Juan and we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family,” Jorge Marco, Serendra Inc.’s official spokesperson, said.  Amanda Fernandez/KBK, GMA News