A warehouse storing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks erupted in flames early Monday morning, December 1, 2025, in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City, Cebu. The incident resulted in serious injuries to two workers and prompted an immediate investigation by local fire authorities.
Details of the Early Morning Blaze
The fire broke out around 5:00 AM at a bodega owned by Iñaki Jordana. According to Jordana, he had been speaking with an employee, identified as Julius Delos Santos, 49, just an hour before the incident at approximately 4:00 AM. "After we talked, he went inside. I suspect he lit a cigarette," Jordana stated in his account to investigators.
Fire investigators, led by FO2 Mar Dee II Auxtero, believe a possible LPG tank leak, combined with the act of smoking, may have ignited the blaze. The fire quickly spread to the second floor of the establishment.
Workers Suffer Serious Injuries
The fire caused significant harm to the individuals present. Julius Delos Santos sustained second-degree burns from his head down to his waist and suffered third-degree burns on both feet. Another worker, Joani Gungog, 23, was injured by shattered glass from a door. Both victims were rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) for urgent treatment.
Fire Response and Safety Concerns Raised
The Talisay City Fire Station received the alarm at 5:36 AM and responded immediately under a first alarm. Firefighters managed to control the fire by 6:04 AM and declared it completely extinguished just seven minutes later.
FO2 Auxtero pointed out a critical safety violation, emphasizing that LPG tanks should not be stored in such a warehouse. "It is not really appropriate to stockpile LPG tanks in that bodega since these should only be in open areas," he explained. The business owner, Jordana, noted that the tanks and canisters had only been placed in the warehouse the previous week.
The area remains cordoned off as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) continues its probe to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the total damage incurred.
