Three killed in Philippines after blast knocks slab off high-rise

DPA/Manila 

Three people died last night in Manila, crushed by a concrete slab that fell from an upscale condominium after a mysterious explosion, local officials said.

 The victims were aboard a van passing through the posh commercial area in Taguig City when the concrete slab fell from the fifth floor of the building. Several other vehicles were also struck.

 The explosion caused a panic among shoppers and diners in the nearby shopping areas and restaurants, and shattered windows of other establishments near the area. “We are still in the process of getting all information and determining the cause of the explosion,” Taguig City Administrator Joel Montales said in a press statement. “Local police, fire and rescue teams are in the area to help determine the cause and casualties in the explosion,” he added.

According to initial information gathered by police, the blast was caused by an appliance in one of the condominium units. Residents of the condominium were forced to evacuate the building due to thick smoke, police said.