DASMARIÑAS CITY, Cavite —Two people were killed and seven others injured after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling station inside a residential neighborhood in Barangay Salawag exploded Thursday morning, damaging several houses and vehicles.

Authorities said the blast occurred shortly after 9 a.m. inside a property that was reportedly operating as an LPG refilling shop. The explosion triggered a fire that spread to nearby homes and cars, with residents describing a loud blast followed by flames engulfing the area.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Dasmariñas reported that the blaze reached first alarm status at 9:12 a.m. and was declared under control at 9:55 a.m. Firefighters recovered dismembered remains of the two fatalities, identified as a 20-year-old and a 65-year-old, while seven others sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation.

One of the damaged houses belonged to Sam Nicdao, who was in Batangas at the time of the incident. He told reporters that the destruction rendered his residence unsafe for use. Other residents in the area were forced to evacuate as investigators assessed structural damage.

Initial findings suggest that several LPG tanks stored in the property may have triggered the blast. Authorities are investigating whether the refilling operation was properly licensed and compliant with safety regulations.

The incident has raised concerns about illegal or unsafe LPG refilling stations operating in residential areas. Local officials urged residents to report unregulated fuel storage facilities, stressing that improper handling of LPG poses severe risks to communities.

As of Friday, the identities of the fatalities are still being confirmed, while the injured victims remain under medical care. The BFP and local government have pledged to conduct a thorough investigation and review safety enforcement in the city to prevent similar tragedies.

This deadly blast highlights the urgent need for stricter monitoring of LPG businesses in residential zones, as well as stronger enforcement of fire safety standards across Cavite and other provinces.