At least 18 persons were hurt after firecrackers and pyrotechnics devices exploded inside a warehouse in Barangay Bunducan, Bocaue, Bulacan, damaging some P15 million worth of property on Thursday, June 15.
Police said the explosion happened at Nenita Warehouse Daang Riles owned by Ma. Nenita Cordero Ofracio, 75, of Barangay Binang 1st, Bocaue.
Police said that prior to the incident, residents saw a spark from an electrical connection in the area, which was followed by two loud explosions.
The incident caused minor injuries to 18 individuals. Several houses and vehicles were totally damaged by the fire
Photo caption:
Firecrackers and chemicals stored in a warehouse in Barangay Bundukan, Bocaue, Bulacan exploded, injuring 18 people and destroying houses and vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Bocaue BFP)
Some of the victims were brought to a hospital while others were given medical aid by the Bocaue Rescue and Medical Team.
Brando Saligumba, a resident in the area, said their house was totally damaged due to the strong explosion. He said the walls and posts fell, and his wife and children were hurt and rushed to the nearest hospital.
Bocaue firetrucks and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) team responded and extinguished the fire at around 5:11 a.m. on the same day.
Bocaue police station is still waiting for an official report from the BFP to determine the cause of the fire.
Reports reaching the office of Col. Relly B. Arnedo, Bulacan police director, said the warehouse that served as a storage for fireworks and pyrotechnics was illegally constructed in the residential area.
Appropriate charges will be filed against the owner of the warehouse. (Freddie C. Velez)