Sta. Maria, Bulacan fireworks blast traced to violation of safety standards

The blast at a fireworks factory in Sta., Maria, Bulacan that claimed three lives on Wednesday was traced to violation of safety standards, a report on Unang Balita on Thursday said.

The Sta. Maria Police said the factory disregarded safety standards, particularly those pertaining to the distance required in the manufacturing area, GMA News' Vonne Aquino reported.

Three people died while five others were injured in the blast that occurred at 9:15 a.m.

One of those hurt, Ryan Magnaye, remains confined at the Rogaciano Memorial Hospital.

Safety standards call for a certain distance in each section where fireworks are manufactured to prevent accidents including those leading to fire or explosion.

Police Supt. Raniel Valones, chief of the Sta. Maria, Bulacan Police, said AA Fireworks, which manufactures "kwitis", did not follow the approved plan in the layout of their factory.

The owners added four assembly areas that are closely located to each other inside the factory nearest the mixing section where explosives or black powder are stored.

Police also found out that there was mishandling in the making of the fireworks.

Investigation showed that when the semi-finished products held by employee Marvin Casao exploded, 2,000 other "kwitis" in the assembly area nearby caught fire. This should not have happened if the proper distance between assembly areas was observed, the police said.

Police arrested owner Wilfredo Alonzo and Casao.

Charges of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide will be filed against them on Thursday.

Sta. Maria Police and the local government will inspect the facilities of all dealers and manufacturers in the municipality. 

They warned businessmen that those found violating Republic Act 7183 (Firecrackers and Pyrotechnics Devices Law) will have their facilities padlocked.

President Rodrigo Duterte said he will issue a warning on how dangerous fireworks are, but a nationwide ban may not be issued in time for the coming Christmas and New Year.

He said a ban may be put in effect in 2017. —KG, GMA News