Eight people were injured after a fireworks display malfunctioned during the closing program of the Panagbenga Festival 2026 in Baguio City, authorities said.

Police said the fireworks were supposed to explode in the air but, instead, fell toward the crowd before detonating, injuring spectators.

Seven of the victims are from Dagupan City, while one is from Baguio City. All were taken immediately to a hospital for treatment.

Police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident.

“Actually ’yun ang inaalam, kung ano ang cause ng incident whether ’yung firework itself or the person na nag-setup ng fireworks. Instead kasi na pumutok sa taas, bumagsak siya, nag-land siya doon sa kinaroroonan ng mga biktima at doon siya pumutok,” Police Major Marcy Grace Marron, spokesperson of the Baguio City Police Office, said.

The operator of the fireworks display provided financial assistance to the victims. Authorities said the victims are still deciding whether to file a complaint against the operator.

In a statement, the Baguio Flower Festival Foundation, Inc., organizer of the Panagbenga Festival, expressed concern over the incident.

The group said the safety of residents and visitors remains its priority and wished the victims a quick recovery. It added that it is closely monitoring the condition of those injured.