Fatalities in Pangasinan fireworks blast increase to five

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — The number of fatalities in the explosion and fire that gutted a suspected illegal fireworks factory in the Pangasinan town of Malasiqui rose to five.

The increase in number happened after authorities retrieved the body of another victim at the blast site.

The newly-discovered remains join two minors and two adults who belonged to the family renting the property in the boundary of Barangays Tabo-Sili and Calbueg.

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The information came from Malasiqui Vice Mayor Daria Dolores Mamaril on Wednesday night (November 4).

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Residents said they heard a loud explosion, followed by bursts of flames at 7:45 pm.

The fire was contained before 9 p.m.

Two survivors were brought to a hospital for treatment but their identities, as well as those of the fatalities, were withheld by the police.

Mamaril said the victims were not residents of Tabo-Sili and Calbueg, which explained why local officials were unaware that fireworks were being manufactured at the site.

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Authorities learned that the gutted building had been an abandoned piggery that was rented by the victims and used as a fireworks workshop.

The suspected illegal operation was located about 500 meters from residential areas, but the explosion and ensuing fire also destroyed a house and damaged a pick-up truck Toyota Hilux, a motorcycle and a tricycle. 

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Firecrackers stored at the site were also consumed by the blaze.

The police said the factory had no business permit and no clearance or inspection from the police and the Bureau of Fire Protection. /apl