11 hurt in fireworks stall fire in Antipolo on New Year's Day
By Hannah Nicol
Eleven people were injured after a fire broke out at a fireworks stall in Antipolo City during New Year’s celebrations early Thursday, Jan. 1.
Firefighters check the burned remains of firework stalls after a fire broke out at a fireworks selling area in Antipolo during New Year celebrations.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the fire started around midnight at the Sumulong Football Field when a firework malfunctioned and its sparks landed on nearby stalls, triggering the blaze.
Around 20 firecracker stalls had been set up at the site as part of the city’s designated selling area in December.
The BFP said vendors and spectators immediately fled the area to avoid the spreading fire, while others sought cover behind walls and nearby houses.
Authorities said most of the injured sustained minor injuries such as bruises, abrasions, and cuts after slipping or falling while escaping. One person also suffered from hyperventilation.
As of this writing, authorities are still investigating the cause of the incident.