At least 27 individuals have been injured in a devastating explosion of confiscated illegal fireworks in the southern Philippines. The incident took place near a marine firing range in Zamboanga, where police explosives experts were preparing for a controlled detonation of the seized fireworks.
Among the injured were 19 police and government personnel, with two victims in critical condition and currently hospitalized in Zamboanga. The explosion caused significant damage to nearby houses, hotels, and even the international airport in the area.
The blast, triggered by the ignition of the confiscated fireworks, was so powerful that it shattered glass windows up to two miles away from the site. Despite the airport sustaining minor damages, there were no reported flight delays or injuries among passengers.
This unfortunate incident follows a previous explosion in a warehouse in Zamboanga city on June 29, which resulted in five fatalities and multiple injuries. The controlled destruction of the illegal fireworks had been carried out successfully on two prior occasions without any issues.
Fireworks play a significant role in Filipino culture, especially during celebrations like New Year's Eve, where they are believed to ward off bad luck and evil spirits. While government regulations and economic challenges have somewhat reduced the use of powerful firecrackers, the tradition persists in various regions.
The mayor of Zamboanga has ordered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the explosion, emphasizing the need for stricter safety measures when handling confiscated fireworks to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
