5 killed in Pangasinan firecracker factory explosion

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan, Philippines —Five people including a minor were killed while two others were injured in an explosion that ripped through a makeshift firecracker factory in this town on Wednesday night.

The remains of four fatalities were retrieved from the scene of the explosion by responding personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The other fatality, a five-year-old girl, was declared dead on arrival in a hospital where she was rushed along with two injured victims.

Reports said the explosion occurred at 7:45 p.m. at a house in Barangay Tabo-Sili where firecrackers were allegedly manufactured.

The explosion was followed by a fire, which was declared under control at around 8:20 p.m.

The fire destroyed a pick-up truck parked in the area.

Pangasinan police officer-in-charge Col. Dennis de Leon said probers found at the scene of the explosion raw materials for manufacturing firecrackers and some finished products such as baby rockets and kwitis.

Probers said the occupants of the house have no permit to manufacture firecrackers.