17 HOSPITALIZED DUE TO CHEMICAL LEAK IN LAGUNA

SEVENTEEN people on Tuesday were rushed to the hospital after inhaling a chemical substance that accidentally leaked from a cylinder tank in Cabuyao City, Laguna.

Police are verifying the names of the victims.

Investigation showed the leak occurred around 2 p.m. on Tuesday when workers  at the Izbanda Scrap Trading junkshop in Bgy. Banaybanay, Cabuyao City were cleaning the place.

The workers moved the four-foot cylinder tank containing liquid gas that caused the leak of a yellow green chemical producing a strong toxic odor inhaled by people in the area.

Affected residents complained of dizziness while some vomited and experienced shortness of breath.

Personnel of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office responded and rushed the victims to the nearest hospital.

According to junkshop supervior Ramon Villareal, the chemicals that have been stored for a long time in the cylinder tank could be the possible source of the pungent smell.

Police are investigating the incident.