Scores hurt in Cavite firecracker factory blast

MANILA, Philippines - Some 50 people were reported injured after an explosion hit a fireworks factory in Trece Martires City, Cavite province before noon Thursday. In an interview on dzBB radio, Trece Martires Vice-Mayor Alvin Mojica said at least 50 people were rushed to the hospital following the incident that occurred before 11 a.m. at the Starmaker fireworks factory located at a "secluded" area in Brgy. Conchu. "Sa tingin ko mga 50 na itong nasa hospital... Wala pang ma-retrieve sa loob ng building (By my assessment, at least 50 have been brought to the hospital. No one has been retrieved from inside the factory)," Mojica said. Mojica said the site of the incident is near Governors Drive and 2.5 km from City Hall, but is far from any residential area. Mojica said thick smoke has prevented firefighters from getting inside the factory. Those injured were from around the building, he added. But he said the factory had no derogatory safety track record prior to the incident. Doctor Nelson Soriano of the General Emilio Aguinaldo Hospital said at least 19 of the injured were brought there. "Mga lacerations but we are expecting the worst. Allegedly may empleyado sa loob ng factory (The initial batch of patients had lacerations but we are expecting the worst. Allegedly there were employees inside the factory)," he said. - GMANews.TV