Three children dead, 7 hurt in Valenzuela firecracker explosion

Three children,two seven-year old girls and a two-year old toddler, died while seven other persons were hurt after firecracker powder inside a house in Valenzuela City exploded on Wednesday morning. 

According to Jaime Santos’ report in “24 Oras,” the incident happened at a residential area along Paisa Street in Batimana Compound at around 11:30 a.m.. 

Seven fire trucks and 14 ambulances responded to the fire that came after the explosion. The fire was declared under control at 11:48 a.m. 

Seven others who were injured were brought to the Valenzuela Medical Center. Among them were a senior citizen, three kids, and a 13-year-old girl who suffered burns in 80 percent of her body. The latter was later transferred to Tondo Medical Center as there was no burn unit in the Valenzuela hospital. 

In total, 17 people from four families were hurt and lost their homes.

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian assured that the local government will shoulder the victims’ expenses. 

“The city government and emergency response teams are working closely to provide assistance to the affected families… lahat ng hospital bills po ng pamilya and mga victims to be shouldered by the LGU,” he said. 

Police investigation found there was no evidence of an improvised explosive device or IED in the scene. 

“Sa information got from the residents at saka members of the family, ang kanilang deklarasyon ay may nakaimbak doon na kwitis na iniipon na ibebenta. Kaso during the inspection hindi na nakita yung traces kasi kasama na siya sa explosion,” said Valenzuela Police chief P/Col. Joseph Talento. 

(Based on the information from the residents and members of the family, they said there were skyrockets stockpiled there for sale. But during the inspection there were no more traces because they all exploded.) 

Further, authorities said the homeowner is clearly liable because storing such chemicals in a residential area is prohibited, especially without the proper permits.

“Base sa ating pag-imbestiga, doon sa asawa, ay sila nga ay nag-stock diyan ng pyrotechnic powder dahil mura pa ngayon. Gumagawa sila para sa Pasko, Bagong Taon…” said Northern Police District chief Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio.

(Based on our investigation, they are already stocking up on pyrotechnic powder while it’s still cheap. They are planning to produce firecrackers for Christmas and the New Year’s celebration…) 

“Wala siya kanina doon, pero yung babae biktima rin sya. Ang masakit po talaga dito, yung dalawang namatay ay kamag-anak niya.” said Northern Police District chief Police Brigadier General Jerry Protacio. 

(She was not present, but the female homeowner is also a victim. Unfortunately, the two fatalities were her relatives.) —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News