An Olvera man is today very lucky to be alive after a gas explosion in his shop on Calle Julian Besteiro. Francisco Javier (58) suffered extensive burns to his face in the explosion but is otherwise unhurt.
The explosion occurred at midday yesterday as the result of a gas buildup in a false ceiling above the hot water system from an undetected leak in the valve. Fire officials told Ronda Today the gas burner was a piezzo type and hadn’t been used that morning, resulting in a bigger buildup of gas down to the level of the piezzo.
Neighbours of the shop, the Super Sur supermarket described hearing a loud bang and then screaming. Fire and ambulance were immediately called but the owner managed to exit the shop into the care of neighbors, however several neighbouring properties were evacuated by the fire service whilst the gas bottles were made safe.
The accident could have been much worse, normally several tanks are stored in the same location, but fortunately the remaining five tanks were outside the building on a terrace when the explosion occurred.
Fire service personnel have reiterated that storing gas tanks inside the property should be avoided, and recommend regular inspections of all gas equipment to avoid situations such as this.
The owner of the shop was discharged from the local medical centre several hours later after doctors treated first degree burns to his face and neck. His supermarket remains closed whilst insurance assessors determine the extent of damage.
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