Scavenger hurt as vape found in trash bin explodes

MANILA, Philippines — A 64-year-old scavenger was injured when an electronic cigarette, also known as a vape, he found in a garbage bin near a waiting shed in the vicinity of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 exploded on Friday afternoon.

Romeo Soriano suffered minor burns in his right ear, face and left hand when he tried to dismantle the device, according to Chief Supt. Bing Jose, who heads the airport police intelligence and investigation department.

A roving security guard informed airport security personnel about an explosion near the NAIA Parking Lot B just before 3 p.m. on Friday.

Jose said airport security personnel found Soriano bleeding and called for an ambulance from the Manila International Airport Authority.

Police crime scene investigators examined the scene of the explosion while Aviation Security Group (AVSEGROUP) operatives used bomb-sniffing dogs to search the area for possible explosives.

The AVSEGROUP took Soriano into custody for questioning after he received medical assistance.