Truck carrying LPG tanks catches fire along SLEx

MANILA, Philippines – A truck carrying a large number of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks caught fire along South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) on Monday morning.

A witness said a speeding Isuzu Elf-type truck fell on its side along SLEx’s southbound lane, near Sucat Interchange, and rammed towards the highway’s center island.

A number of LPG tanks then exploded, causing massive fire that snarled the traffic in the area.

A closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage indicated that the accident occurred at 6:44 a.m.

The truck driver, identified as Romulo Manaig Ramos, was able to leave his truck a few minutes after. He was rushed to the hospital after sustaining injuries.

Authorities were also able to gather information from his companion.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), in its Twitter account, said the fire was declared under control at 7:23 a.m.

As of posting, the truck was already removed from the road, but traffic is still heavy in the area due to the earlier build-up of vehicles.

The fire also burned a portion of the Skyway’s elevated highway, which is located above the SLEx.

“Natunaw pati yung mga ilaw na nakakabit sa ilalim ng Skyway,” dzMM’s Noel Alamar reported.

Skyway officials said they will check if the structural integrity of the elevated highway has been affected by the fire. – reports from Noel Alamar and Dexter Ganibe, dzMM