2 killed in Bocaue fireworks factory blast

01/04/2009

Two stay-in workers were scorched to death while another was injured seriously when a fireworks factory exploded in Sitio Balubaran, Barangay Duhat in Bocaue, Bulacan Friday night.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, a nine-year-old boy was also killed by a firecracker blast at an abandoned makeshift fireworks factory in San Ildefonso town.

In a report to Bulacan acting police director, Senior Supt. Allen Bantolo, Bocaue police chief Supt. Ronald de Jesus identified the fatalities in the Bocaue incident as Ogie Asero and Pedrito Torcino, both natives of Samar and stay-in workers at the “E and B Fireworks” in Barangay Duhat.

A co-worker, Edwin Torcino, sustained third degree burns and was taken to the St. Paul hospital, but was later taken to the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital in Manila.

De Jesus said the factory, owned by a certain Edwin Corpuz, was engaged in the production of “bombshell,” a type of aerial fireworks.

He said the three workers were making “bombshells” when an accidental spark triggered the blast.

Police said chemical ingredients were also stored in the factory which was totally razed.

“They were making the ordered bombshells when an explosion occurred. Two died immediately and one sustained third-degree burns,” De Jesus said.

He added that they are still determining the liability of the owner.

In San Ildefonso, police said Prince RJ Laurente, 9, was rummaging on a pile of trash inside an abandoned makeshift fireworks factory when a powerful firecracker exploded on him, killing him instantly.

The San Ildefonso police are still investigating the incident. PNA

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