1 child killed, another injured in Tondo firecracker incident
Photo courtesy of Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW)
One child was killed while another was injured after a firecracker exploded in Tondo, Manila, on Sunday night, Dec. 28, prompting the immediate response of the Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) to assist the affected family.
The victims were both minors. One 12-year-old boy died from the blast, while his 12-year-old friend sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
The incident occurred at the corner of A. Lorenzo Street and Abad Santos Avenue, where the two children reportedly picked up and ignited a firework similar to "Goodbye Philippines" in a cylinder container.
According to the Manila Police District (MPD), the deceased victim was hugging the big firecracker when the other victim lit a piccolo whose sparks reached the big cracker, causing it to explode.
Footage from a nearby closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera captured the moment of the explosion.
The Manila local government, through the MDSW, assured continued assistance to the victims’ family, including financial aid for the deceased child’s burial expenses and support for the hospitalization and recovery of the injured minor.
Following the incident, the MDSW reiterated its strong warning to the public, especially to children and their guardians, against the use of fireworks, stressing that such items pose serious risks to health and safety.
The agency urged families to choose safer ways of celebrating to prevent similar tragedies.