8 hurt in Bulacan fireworks blast

MALOLOS , Philippines — Eight persons were injured in a fireworks explosion in Bulacan yesterday.

Initial reports reaching Col. Relly Arnedo, Bulacan police director, said the explosion occurred in a factory in Sitio Manggahan, Barangay Pulong Buhangin in Sta. Maria town at around 1 p.m.

The victims, seven of them workers and the owner of the factory, were taken to the Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital for treatment.

An investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion and if the owner of the factory has a license to manufacture fireworks.

Previous inspections conducted by the Department of Trade and Industry showed that several fireworks manufacturers were found not compliant with the standards set by the DTI.