Hospitalized Pinoy in Oman appeals for help
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/04/2009 12:56 AM
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MUSCAT, Oman - A Filipino mechanic suffered body burns after the gasoline tank of the car he was fixing suddenly exploded in Muscat, Oman.
Raffy Viernes sustained 4th-degree burns and was still confined in a hospital. Viernes appealed to kind-hearted Filipinos to help him pay his mounting hospital bills that reached to more than 1,500 riyals.
"Ako ay humihingi ng tulong sa inyo kung ano man ang maitulong ninyo sa akin para sa aking pag pa-recover dito sa Khoula," Viernes said.
Viernes could not remember what went wrong that led to the explosion. He recalled that he was testing the gas tank when it exploded.
“Hindi ko pa kinakabit ‘yong wire. Kasi noong unang ano sabi ko sa kanya start mo nga. Ayaw umi-start. Kinabit ‘yong computer, kinabit ko. Wala siya kasi nagsasaing ng hapunan. Pagpunta ko doon sa gasolinahan sa kotse biglang sumabog," Viernes said.
James Viernes, the victim’s nephew said he heard a loud explosion and then saw his uncle on fire.
"Basta pagdating namin may apoy na dito. Kaya ‘yon umaapoy na, nakarinig na lang kami ng putok,” James said.
The accident reportedly happened while Tess was busy inside the house. She said she initially ignored the explosion but got scared when she noticed the commotion outside.
“Pero pag labas ko wala na akong nakitang apoy. Wala na talaga. Ang nakikita ko lang nagtatakbuhan na sila, lalo na si Raffy nagkukuha pa ng tubig,” Tess said.
They immediately brought Viernes to the hospital.
"Pagtingin ko sa kanya talagang lapnos lahat ditto. Alam mo ‘yong parang nilitson na baboy na talagang nag-shrink na ‘yong mga ano niya. Talagang sunog na sunog na balat niya. Wala na, lumobo talaga, pumutok na lahat. Kita mo talaga ‘yong ilalim ng katawan," Tess added.
According to the hospital, 47% of Viernes’ body was badly burned. He would reportedly need long-term medication.
"Noong nakausap ko ‘yong doctor niya sabi niya baka daw abutin ng isang buwan siya doon. Pero depende daw sa reaksyon ng gamot sa katawan," Tess said.
Viernes has been working as a mechanic in Oman for more than 20 years. He has 3 children.
His family depends on his job for their daily expenses and for his children’s education.
"Ang masakit doon ‘yong 40 riyals a day sa room pa lang ‘yon. Kahit anong isipin ko kung saan namin kukunin ‘yong halaga na ‘yon. Sa room pa lang, talagang hindi namin kakayanin," his wife Tess said.
The couple aired their appeal for help through ABS-CBN’s Middle East News Bureau.
"Kailangang, kailangan po namin ng tulong ninyo. Tulungan n’yo po kami mga kababayan," Tess said.
Filipinos who wish to extend help to the couple may call Viernes’ wife Tess at 00968-92483478. Report from Rowen Soldevilla, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau, Oman
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