2 killed in Bulacan firecracker factory blast

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — Two people were killed in an explosion that occurred at a firecracker factory in Norzagaray, Bulacan shortly before noon yesterday.

Authorities have yet to identify the fatalities in the explosion that occurred at past 11 a.m. in Barangay Partida.

Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., Central Luzon police director, said the explosion sparked a fire, which was immediately controlled by responding firefighters.

Initial investigation showed the factory was operating without necessary permits. Probers have yet to identify the owner of the establishment.