Two killed, three hurt in fire at Korean shipyard firm in Subic

By Ronron
January 18, 2008

Two workers died while three others were hurt after they were caught in an accidental fire at a Korean shipyard firm in Subic, Zambales on Friday morning, police said.

SPO2 Nasser Abdurasul of the Subic Municipal Police said the victims were working at the rear part of Project Ship 001 at the Hanjin Shipyard Dock 5 when the accident happened past 11 am.

He said they were making finishing touches using a grinder when the sparks that came out of it ignited the oil lubricants present in said area.

Abdurasul said there was no explosion that happened.

He said two workers died due to third-degree burns while two of the three injured victims suffered second-degree burns. Another worker suffered bruises and slight injuries as he attempted to escape from the fire scene.

The injured victims are currently undergoing treatment at the St. Jude Hospital in Olongapo City.

Abdurasul said the fire was quickly put out and did not spread to other parts because the shipyard has its own emergency equipment and personnel.

Asked if police will file charges against the Hanjin management, Abdurasul said it will depend on the families of the victims.

“I don’t know if we can file charges because in the past, there were also accidents there and the victims just settled with the Hanjin management because they were offered compensation and assistance. So this time, it depends if the families of the victims will pursue charges of criminal negligence,” he said.

Because of the incident, the project at said ship was temporarily stopped./DMS