2 hurt as explosion hits Bocaue firecraker factory

BOCAUE, Bulacan – A man and a nine months’ pregnant woman were injured when an explosion hit an illegal fireworks factory in Barangay Igulot here yesterday morning, police said.

Superintendent Ronald de Jesus, Bocaue police chief, said the victims, Maribel Lopez, 30, and Michael Allasis, 21, were rushed to the Rogaciano Mercado Memorial District Hospital in nearby Sta. Maria town.

The pregnant Lopez was later transferred to a Manila hospital as 40 percent of her body suffered burns.

De Jesus said both victims were working in a makeshift firecracker factory owned by Robert Alba, 27, who admitted having no license to operate when he was arrested.

Police said charges were being readied against Alba.

The explosion was the second in less than a month in Bocaue. Two weeks ago, three people, including a 12-year-old girl, were injured in a blast in a fireworks factory in Barangay Bunlo.

Police admitted that backyard fireworks makers proliferate in this town as the Christmas season nears.

The Philippine Pyrotechnics Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. has been encouraging local manufacturers to undergo safety training and secure licenses before making pyrotechnics.

They said they don’t want a repeat of the tragedy on Dec. 31 last year when fireworks stalls were gutted in a series of explosions. – With Ric Sapnu