A Saturday afternoon explosion near a commercial mall in Masbate City claimed two lives and sent two more people to the hospital, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said following the November 14, 2026 incident.
According to the PRC, the explosion occurred at around 2:30 p.m. along Tara Street in Barangay Pating, specifically near the exit of the LCC Furniture Store at LCC Mall — a spot where tricycles regularly line up to fetch passengers.
Victims Rushed to Provincial Hospital
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) transported the two wounded individuals to the Masbate Provincial Hospital for medical treatment, the Philippine Red Cross said.
The PRC noted that authorities were still working to determine the cause of the explosion, with the circumstances remaining under validation as of the time of reporting.
PRC Masbate Chapter Mobilises on Gordon's Directive
Acting on a directive from PRC Chairman and CEO Richard "Dick" Gordon, the PRC Masbate Chapter quickly deployed staff and volunteers to the scene, the Red Cross said. The chapter also provided cadaver bags and placed blood units on standby.
Red Cross Appeals for Calm, Cautions Against False Reports
The Philippine Red Cross expressed condolences to the families of those who died and conveyed prayers for the recovery of the injured.
The PRC called on the public to stay calm, keep away from the affected area, and to follow only official information released by authorities. The organisation specifically cautioned against spreading unverified reports being circulated online or through other channels.
The Red Cross emergency hotline is available at 143 for those requiring assistance.
Source: Philippine Red Cross