TEMPO (Philippines): Shell gives P5.4 million for fire victims: “The Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. released yesterday some P5.4 million as part of its compensation package to some 121 victims of a fire caused by the Shell gasoline spillage in Quezon City.”: “Shell will compensate an additional 50 people who were victims of the fire that happened last Sunday.”: Friday 26 August 2005
The Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. released yesterday some P5.4 million as part of its compensation package to some 121 victims of a fire caused by the Shell gasoline spillage in Quezon City.
Chito Valmocina, Barangay Holy Spirit chair, said the highest amount given to a family was P1, 244,000 for incurring heavy damages in the fire, while the lowest compensation was R995.
“This is just an initial fund and we’re glad that Shell immediately responded. This is the result of a series of dialogue with the company since last Sunday,” Valmocina said.
Shell will compensate an additional 50 people who were victims of the fire that happened last Sunday.
Apart from the damages, Valmocina said the company has been spending for the medical expenses of some 15 persons who suffered severe injuries. Some 40 residents sustained minor injuries.
Because of the compensation, the charges of reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and multiple physical injuries filed against Darmel Imbo, 32, the Shell tanker driver, have been withdrawn.
“They (the three complainants) have filed their affidavit of desistance and I was the one who signed it,” Valmocina said. “I also talked to the other victims and told me they will no longer file a case, even against Shell.”
Imbo aboard a Volvo Prime Mover truck (XFB 115) of Shell was turning right at the Holy Spirit Drive along Commonwealth Avenue when he heard a loud sound under his vehicle at 5:37 a.m. Sunday.
When he peeped through the side mirror, he saw a gasoline spillage. The emergency shut off valve was immediately closed but to no avail.
Some 8,000 liters of gasoline flowed into the creek through the drainage system of the Don Antonio Heights Subdivision. The gasoline flowed into the creek.
A few minutes later, a fire ignited along the creek destroying the houses along the banks. (Francis T. Wakefield)
http://www.tempo.com.ph/news.php?aid=15455
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