1 dead, 2 severely hurt in Marikina gun factory explosion

One person died while two others were severely injured after an explosion occurred inside a gun factory in Barangay Fortune, Marikina City on Monday afternoon. 

According to Glen Juego's report in Super Radyo dzBB, all the victims were factory workers. 

Due to the extent of the injuries, one of them had both hands amputated but died eventually as confirmed by a relative. Meanwhile, the other two required medical attention to the chest and an eye. 

Initial investigation by the Marikina City Police disclosed that a box containing primer suddenly exploded, injuring the three workers. They were immediately brought to Amang Rodriguez Medical Center.

As reported by Nico Waje in “24 Oras,” the police said the victim whose hands were amputated was the one handling the box until it exploded. 

In firearms, the primer is the chemical or device responsible for initiating the propellant combustion that will propel the projectiles out of the gun barrel.

An explosion at the gun factory’s storage unit for gun powders occurred in February last year which led to a fire. 

For its part, the gun factory said that it is already coordinating with the authorities. 

"We are closely cooperating with the PNP to determine the cause of the explosion, and will provide updates as they come," Armscor Global Defense, Inc. said in a statement. 

"We immediately dispatched emergency response services in line with our safety protocols to prevent the likelihood of further injuries or damage," it added. 

The factory also said that it "has been strictly compliant with all applicable international standards and practices, along with local regulations as well as inspections conducted by the Philippine National Police." —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News