Explosions hit Bulacan fireworks factory

BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Stakeholders in the fireworks industry have confirmed that a series of explosions occurred at an illegal fireworks factory in this town on Friday night.

Responding police officers heard the explosions as they were heading to Barangay Bambang to investigate the incident, according to Lt. Col. Gilbert Diaz, Bocaue police chief.

John Bailey Lee, president of the Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc., said the incident occurred at an unlicensed backyard fireworks manufacturing site in Sitio Kakulisan.

The Bureau of Fire Protection said the explosions sparked a fire that destroyed a house owned by a certain Buknoy.

Police said they have yet to receive the final report of the BFP-Bocaue on the incident.