ZAMBOANGA CITY – Five persons were killed and 21 others were injured in an explosion in a firecracker warehouse here on Saturday, June 29.

FIVE persons were killed in a firecracker warehouse explosion in Zamboanga City on June 29. (Photo via Liza Jocson)
The loud explosion rocked Barangay Tetuan at around 4 p.m. and caused alarm and panic to residents.
Firetrucks, ambulances, the police, and military rushed toward the warehouse on Marquez Drive.
The warehouse was owned by businessman Jojie Chua, a licensed firecracker distributor here.
The explosion affected a wide area with several residents complaining about damages sustained by their houses.
Mayor John Dalipe rushed to the area and supervised government response.
He vowed to provide assistance to the victims and their families.
Dalipe directed the Bureau of Fire Protection to expedite their investigation on the incident.
Damage to property and the identities of the fatalities and injured is yet to be determined.