Housewife injured in ’cracker plant blast

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A backyard firecracker and pyrotechnics factory in Sta. Maria, Bulacan exploded yesterday, seriously injuring a housewife, and bringing to six the number of accidental explosions related to the illegal manufacture of firecrackers this year.

Alejandra Hermogenes of Sitio Camachile, Barangay Pulong Buhangin suffered third degree burns in the early Friday morning explosion. Damage was pegged at P170,000.

Initial police investigation reaching the office of Chief Supt. Roberto Calinisan, Central Luzon police director, showed that the blast occurred when the victim lit a pile of trash she had earlier swept.

Police said the victim was unaware that the chemicals used in the manufacture of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic products were in the trash.

Sparks from the explosion also ignited a pile of finished pyrotechnic products, including firecrackers, rockets (kuwitis) and whistle bombs, stored in a corner of the Hermogenes residence.

Vicente Hermogenes, Ale—jandra’s husband, who was reportedly nearby when the blast went off was unscathed, police said.

Explosions at fireworks shops and stores dealing in pyrotechnic products are common in this province from September to December each year and during the celebration of the New Year.— Ric Sapnu