19 hurt as firecracker warehouse explodes

BOCAUE, Bulacan, Philippines — Nineteen people were injured when a warehouse containing firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices exploded in this town yesterday morning.

The explosion, which occurred in Barangay Bunducan, set off a fire that damaged 16 houses, according to Rodante Galvez, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer.

Galvez said no casualties were reported in the incident, but four persons were rushed to the Mayor Joni Hospital for treatment.

The fire started at past 2 a.m. and reached second alarm, according to retired Col. Manuel Lukban Jr. of the Bulacan disaster risk reduction and management office.

The blaze was declared out at past 5 a.m.

Bocaue police chief Lt. Col. Ronnie Pascua said the warehouse is owned by Nita Ofracio.

Pascua said Ofracio is an authorized dealer of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

He said Ofracio stored the goods in a residential area.

Probers said the explosion could have been caused by a defective electrical connection in the warehouse.

Authorities have yet to determine the amount of damage caused by the incident. – Emmanuel Tupas