Seven police officers and civilian employees were wounded when a leaking butane cylinder exploded inside their station in San Simon, Pampanga.

In a report Wednesday, the Pampanga Provincial Police Office (PPO) said the incident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday inside the San Simon Municipal Police Station in Barangay Santo Niño, while the victims were preparing for a dinner party.

Injured were town chief of police Maj. Leonardo Lacambra, Staff Sgt. Mary Jane Genobili, Staff Sgt. Jay-R Mabborang and non-uniformed personnel (NUP) Rolalyn Pascua, Marvin Novesteras, Rowena Ignacio Celestial and Euis Pauig.

They sustained first-degree burns and were rushed to the ASCOM Hospital in Apalit, Pampanga by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel.

“So far, the chief of police, one police officer and one NUP had burns on their faces so they remain in the hospital and they are under observation,” Pampanga PPO director Col. Jay Dimaandal said in a phone interview, adding that the other victims have been discharged.

Police are investigating the incident. (Philippine News Agency | Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)