2 kids killed in Bulacan ’cracker factory blast
SANTA MARIA, Bulacan – Two children were killed while six workers were injured when a firecracker factory exploded in this town yesterday morning.
It was the second fatal firecracker-related accident to occur in the province in less than two months.
Town acting police chief Superintendent Rainel Valones identified the fatalities as siblings Brylee, 5, and Ashley Mayo, 2.
The children’s mother Mary Grace, 28, was seriously injured in the explosion that occurred at around 9 a.m. at the AA Fireworks factory in Sitio Banca-banca, Barangay Pulong Buhangin.
Aside from Mary Grace, her co- workers – Ryan Magnai, Raymond Montante, Jay- Ar Mejares, Nelson Duque and Johnny Hompak – were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Valones said the children went to the factory owned by a certain Wilfredo Alonzo to bring food to their mother.
Initial investigation showed one of the workers was putting chemicals in a firecracker when it exploded and landed on a pile of finished products.
The explosion destroyed a storage house and the house of the owner.
Valones said the factory, whose license will expire in June next year, is located in a secluded area.
On Oct. 12, three persons died when a firecracker store exploded in the nearby town of Bocaue, dubbed as the country’s firecracker capital.
Among the fatalities was the owner of the store.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Manufacturers and Dealers Association Inc. ( PMDAI) recommended ways to minimize injuries, loss of lives and damage to property in incidents involving the firecracker industry.
PMDAI head Celso Cruz said industry players should continuously undergo training on modern methods and technology in the manufacture, handling, transport and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Cruz said firecracker manufacturers should provide authorities with a list of their products for proper inspection and accounting.
He said local government units must be involved in the regulation and development of the pyrotechnics industry in their jurisdiction.
“The Department of Health should promote the Ingat Paputok program of the Pyrotechnic Regulatory Board, instead of employing scare tactics like the Iwas Paputok campaign,” Cruz said.
He said the Philippine National Police, as administrator of the fireworks industry, should have adequate knowledge and training in the regulation and enforcement of the Firecracker Law.