BY KEVIN GALANG
AN explosion followed by a fire that razed an illegal fireworks factory on Wednesday left two men dead in Bgy. Partida, Norzagaray, Bulacan.
The names of the victims were being verified by the authorities.
In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., the Bulacan police said the blast occurred around 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Responding personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and local rescue teams immediately rushed to the site and put out the fire.
When the area was cleared, responders discovered two male bodies among the debris.
Initial investigation indicated that the factory was operating without the necessary permits and was considered illegal.
Police theorized that the explosion originated from volatile chemicals and materials used in the manufacture of fireworks.
The BFP, in coordination with the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit (BPFU), is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and identify the victims.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) have also been deployed to gather evidence at the blast site.
Authorities reminded the public of the dangers of operating or patronizing unlicensed fireworks manufacturers, stressing that safety regulations are in place to prevent such deadly incidents.

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