ZARAGOSA, Nueva Ecija — An explosion of still unknown nature rocked this town, killing a 43-year-old helper and injuring his co-junkshop worker on Monday afternoon here.
Hit by the accidental explosion was the Cesar Calalang Junk Shop located in Bgy. San Isidro.
Police head Major Nelson D. Sarmiento identified the fatality as Robert Dupra, of Bgy. San Isidro; and his wounded co-helper as Marlon Villaronte, 47, of Benitez Subd., Bgy. Concepcion, both of this town.
In his text message yesterday, Sarmiento told the Journal Group that probers have no assessment yet as to the type of explosive that caused the incident.
He said both helpers were separating the scrap materials inside the junkshop when suddenly it exploded.
“Naghihiwalay ng mga kalakal, bakal, tanso at alloy silang dalawa, nang pinukpok nung isa ang isang bagay na bakal nang tatlong beses at bigla ito nag-apoy at sumabog,” Sarmiento said.
Dupra died on the spot after sustaining several injuries in different parts of the body while Villaronte was rushed to the Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital in Cabanatuan City for medical treatment.
Sarmiento said they are still awaiting the result of the investigation of the Nueva Ecija Provincial Explosives and Canine office about the incident.
