Pinoy OFW Among 22 Killed in Fuel Tank Blast in Riyadh

Posted by Editor's Choice on November 2, 2012 at 12:41 pm [with 1,645 views]

MANILA, (PNA) Update — A Filipino was among 22 people killed in a fuel truck blast and building collapse in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Thursday, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesperson Raul Hernandez said.

At least 12 other Filipinos were injured in the explosion. Nine were admitted to hospitals while three have been discharged.

He said a report from the embassy in Riyadh affirmed the victim was inside a vehicle parked in the area when the explosion occurred.

Hernandez said the victims were brought to the National Guard Hospital, the Habib Hospital, the Jazira Clinic, and Shumaisi.

“Embassy teams are still checking with other hospitals,” Hernandez said.

Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin Tago said the embassy is helping the blast victims.

He said when they heard the explosion, embassy personnel were sent to hospitals to check on any Filipino who could be hurt in the incident.

“Nakipag-coordinate kami sa employer nila to ensure na they are well-assisted habang nasa ospital sila,” Tago said.

He said that overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia are usually covered by medical insurance.

“We will coordinate with employers in case there are issues,” he added.

He said authorities in the kingdom gave assurances that the tanker blast is not related to a terrorist act.

Reports said a fuel truck crashed into a flyover, triggering an explosion that brought down an industrial building and torched nearby vehicles. (PNA)

Posted by Editor's Choice on November 2, 2012. Filed under All Stories,NewsDig. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry. It is easy to drop a comment here when you are logged in your Facebook account.

3 Responses to Pinoy OFW Among 22 Killed in Fuel Tank Blast in Riyadh

cbanga360 via Facebook Reply

November 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm

“Foreign Affairs spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez, in a text message, noted that the Filipino truck driver Florentino Santiago, who was killed in the incident, was positively identified by his brother-in-law, who was also his co-worker in a tractor company in Riyadh. “
Sidra Reply

November 9, 2012 at 11:56 pm

my brother in law was working in d building of Zahid Tractors & Heavy Machinery Co. v don’t have any news about him….
- Bicol Street Journal Reply
  
  November 10, 2012 at 6:47 am
  
  Just keep your fingers crossed he is safe and gainfully working.