2 dead, 5 hurt in fireworks factory blast in Norzagaray, Bulacan

Two died while five others were hurt after a fireworks factory exploded in Norzagaray, Bulacan, on Wednesday. 

According to the “24 Oras" report by Mariz Umali, the explosion was so strong that nearby houses were also destroyed. 

“Yung pressure ng pagsabog, pwede pong mag-ano po sa tao, kahit sa mga physical structure ng buildings, pwede niyang gibain yung structure natin,” said BFP Norzagaray municipal fire marshal chief F/Sr Insp. Francis Rosales.

(The pressure from the explosion can harm people and even the physical structures of buildings; it can destroy a structure.) 

Residents had repeatedly requested that the factory relocate farther from their homes to ensure their safety, but it was apparently ignored.

“Hindi naman po kami pinakikinggan. Ilayo-layo sana, nilayo naman bahagya kaso hindi naman kalayuan. Kalapit-lapit din,” said Danny Cañega, who lost his 15-year-old grandson to the explosion. 

(They never listened to us. [We asked them] to move it farther away; they did move it slightly, but it wasn't far enough. It was still very close.) 

Cañega said that his grandson fell asleep during the wake of his younger sibling, who died just three days ago due to an illness. The casket of his other grandson was also not spared from the explosion. 

“Nakatulog sa duyan eh biglang aksidenteng sumabog. Eh, hindi na siya nakatakbo gawa nga na natutulog,” he said. 

(He was asleep on the hammock when the explosion suddenly occurred. He couldn't run because he was asleep.) 

The other fatality was a worker in the factory who has yet to be identified by the authorities. 

Among the five wounded individuals is Jennifer Verzo, who suffered cuts on her arm and back. Another relative of hers was also brought to the hospital after being hit by a galvanized roofing sheet while hanging clothes outside of their house. 

“Tumalsik na lang po yung mga yero sa bahay, hanggang sa matamaan kami ng yero,” said Verzo. 

(The iron sheets from the houses just flew off until we were hit also.) 

The explosion may have damaged up to 45 houses, according to the Norzagaray MDRRMO. 

Meanwhile, fire authorities said the explosion could be due to the fireworks powder. 

“Mga pulbura o posibleng mga stock ng paputok,” said SFO3 Larry Gutierrez, BFP Norzagaray fire arson investigator. 

“Base sa aming pag-validate sa mga permit, wala silang permit.” 

(Based on our validation of the permits, they have no permit.) 

Authorities are looking for the factory owner, who is expected to face charges of multiple homicide, multiple injuries, and damage to properties. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/VBL, GMA Integrated News