1 dead in Bocaue fireworks factory blast

MALOLOS, Philippines — A woman died when an explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Bocaue, Bulacan on Wednesday afternoon.

Rizza Villanueva, 45, a worker at Fireworks Trading Miracles Manufacturer in Barangay Bunlo, was reportedly making baby rockets, locally known as kwitis, when the explosion occurred, according to a report of the Bulacan police to Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr.

Rodante Galvez, Bocaue municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer, said the victim was taken to the Bulacan Medical Center, where she died while being treated.

Bocaue police chief Lt. Col. Ronie Pascua said the factory has a license to operate.

Pascua said no other structure within the vicinity of the explosion was damaged.

It is the second fireworks-related explosion in Bocaue this year.

In June, a warehouse in Barangay Bunducan, which was owned by a licensed fireworks storeowner, was also hit by an explosion.

Police said the warehouse was in a residential area and had no permit to stockpile fireworks products.