Death toll from Philippine gas truck blast hits 50

Manila, Feb 3: The death toll from the explosion in thesouthern Philippines of truck carrying compressed carbon dioxide hasreached 50, a senior military official said today.

The truck, which was originally thought to be carrying liquefiedpetroleum gas, exploded yesterday on a highway in Zamboanga del Surprovince, around 500 miles south of Manila. A packed passing bus tookthe full force of the blast.

''The death toll climbed to 50 and more than 40 are still incritical condition,'' Major General Raymundo Ferrer, commander of thearmy's first infantry division, said.

Ferrer said soldiers were still recovering charred body parts froma nearby ravine after a fireball destroyed the truck and bus.

The lorry's cargo exploded after the vehicle crashed into a wall and overturned following brake failure, police said.

Compressed carbon dioxide is used in carbonated drinks and aerosols.

Reuters>