3 Fast-Food Crew Members Sustain Injuries After Alleged Fryer Malfunction
Three fast-food crew members in Mangaldan, Pangasinan, were injured after an electric fryer allegedly malfunctioned.
On Wednesday morning (June 10, 2026), a video was taken showing several employees rushing out of the restaurant. Some of the workers appeared to have removed their upper clothing as they tried to deal with burns caused by the accident.
Another crew member was seen being assisted by co-workers who appeared shocked and concerned about the situation.
According to the initial investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the electric fryer involved in the incident had reportedly experienced problems in the past and had already undergone repairs.
However, investigators learned that the machine’s thermostat was no longer functioning properly. Because of this, the fryer may have continued heating without control, causing the oil inside to become extremely hot.
Authorities said a crew member initially covered the fryer with a cloth and stepped away to inform the manager about the equipment problem. While the worker was reporting the issue, two other crew members reportedly approached the fryer and removed the wet cloth that had been covering it.
Investigators believe that when the cloth was removed and ice was poured onto the overheated fryer, a strong reaction occurred. The hot oil suddenly splashed outward, causing serious burns to the nearby workers.
The blast was later believed to be a reaction caused by the contact between the extremely hot oil and the ice.
“Yung kawali nila may mantika, okay naman yung isa kasi tinakpan nung isa ng basahan, towel… May dalawa siyang kasama tinaggal yun at binuhusan ng yelo kaya nagkaroon ng chain reaction,” BFP-Mangaldan FSInsp. Jonathan de Vera said.
In another post, a customer complains about long waiting time & cold chicken inasal at fast-food branch in Bacolod
The three injured crew members suffered burns on different parts of their bodies and were immediately brought to a hospital for treatment. As of the latest update, all three remain under medical care, while one of them is being closely monitored in the intensive care unit.
Although authorities found no fire safety violations at the establishment, the BFP has already conducted inspections of other food chains in Mangaldan. Restaurant operators were reminded to regularly check and maintain their cooking equipment to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
