Oliver Bandulan : “Severe Burns in Butane Explosion: How to Treat 2nd-Degree Injuries”

Four people, including a two-year-old boy, sustained second-degree burns after a butane canister exploded in Sitio Upper Cadiz, Barangay Tingub, Mandaue City. The incident occurred on February 10, 2024, at 6 p.m. while one of the victims was cooking dinner.

Upon receiving the emergency call, the Tingub Emergency Rescue Unit (ERU) promptly responded to the scene. However, it was only on the morning of February 12, 2024, that one of the victims, including the child, sought medical aid.

Oliver Bandulan, a 45-year-old individual among the injured, suspects that the canister had a leak. Bandulan shared, “The canister was no longer functioning properly, it wouldn’t turn on, and it was forcefully shaken. Suddenly, it exploded due to a leakage, causing the burn injuries.”

Dr. Phyllis Bidon, the attending medical officer, confirmed that both Bandulan and the child suffered second-degree burns. She explained, “Second-degree burns are characterized by blisters and affect only a small area. We dress the wounds and administer antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis. Dressings need to be changed daily.”

The other two victims, identified as Jonel Alburo, the boy’s father, and Jonel’s brother, Jonie, were immediately taken to the hospital by the Tingub ERU.

Fortunately, the cooking was being done outside the house, preventing further damage. Kenneth Capul, a responder, observed, “Considering the circumstances, it could have been worse. Perhaps, the explosion wouldn’t have been contained if it happened indoors.”

It took some persuasion to convince Bandulan to seek medical treatment as he admitted to being scared of needles. Ronald Malabosa, another responder, recounted, “He initially refused to receive medical assistance, claiming he was hiding. He was afraid of the injections.”

Despite repeated warnings from authorities about the dangers of using substandard butane canisters, the public continues to choose these unsafe products due to their affordability. “This is the reason why they use them, because it’s the cheapest option available to them,” explained Tingub Barangay Councilman Randy Daso.

SFO3 Edgar Vergara, the chief investigator of the Mandaue City Fire Station, clarified that the use of butane canisters is permitted, but only the safe, thick, and modern ones. “Those refills approved by the Department of Energy (DOE), the safe ones. They are sturdy and modern, and that’s what should be used. However, some people still opt for the thin cans because they are cheap,” Vergara emphasized.