The Marikina City Police Station confirmed on Tuesday, July 8, that two of the three employees injured in a gun factory explosion on Monday, July 7, have died.
Medical responders treat injured workers following a gun factory explosion in Marikina City on Monday. (Photo from Marikina Rescue 161)
The victims were employees of Armscor Global Defense Inc. (AGDI), a firearms and ammunition manufacturer based in Barangay Fortune, where an explosion occurred at around 2:15 p.m. inside the plant’s ammunition section. All three were rushed to the hospital with serious injuries.
Marikina City Police Station Chief Col. Geoffrey Fernandez said the first fatality, a 34-year-old employee who sustained chest injuries, died at around 5:15 p.m. on Monday while being treated at the hospital.
The second victim, a 44-year-old employee who lost both hands, was pronounced dead at around 8:40 p.m. the same day.
In its official statement, AGDI said that all necessary assistance and support are being provided to the families of the two workers who died in the explosion.
It added that the third employee, who experienced hearing problems and eye redness, was discharged on Tuesday.
In a radio interview, Fernandez said authorities are still investigating the reported cause of the explosion, which was allegedly triggered by a box wrapped in cloth that suddenly exploded when a worker opened it.
Meanwhile, the gun factory said it is coordinating closely with authorities.
“We are fully cooperating with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other pertinent government agencies in conducting a thorough and transparent investigation regarding the circumstances that caused the explosion,” the company said in a statement.
It also emphasized that in its years of operation, the company has “been fully and strictly compliant with applicable international standards and industry practices, along with local regulations, including inspections conducted by the PNP.”
The company assured the public that it would provide updates regarding the incident.