A FIREWORKS display caps the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City. (Baguio City PIO FB)
Eight persons were injured in an explosion during the fireworks display at the closing ceremony of the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City on Sunday night, March 8.
Police said the victims were watching the event near the Burnham Park skating rink when a fireworks landed on a styrofoam matting on the ground and exploded at 7:55 p.m.
The victims – five females and three males, including a three-year-old child – were relatives from Dagupan City.
They sustained first and second-degree burns and were taken to a hospital. One victim declined medical treatment and signed a waiver.
The Baguio Flower Festival Foundation Inc. (BFFFI) expressed concern over the incident.
They said the safety and well-being of residents and visitors remain their foremost priority. "We extend our concern to those who were injured and wish them a full and speedy recovery."
“The fireworks display was conducted by a licensed professional operator. Based on information provided to us, the operator has already reached out to the affected individuals and committed to shoulder their medical expenses.”
Police are conducting follow-up investigation.