Death toll in Bocaue fireworks blasts now 2

The death toll in the explosions that hit a number of fireworks stores in Bocaue, Bulacan on Wednesday morning has climbed to two, a report by GMA News' Maki Pulido on "24 Oras" said.

Aside from the two fatalities, over 20 people were hurt in the incident that happened before noon in Barangay Biñang along MacArthur Highway, the report added.

The report did not identify the victims.

The explosions damaged motor vehicles passing through the highway, including a jeepney that was loaded with passengers, and resulted in fires that affected several buildings. 

The fire also caused a thick column of smoke that was visible from afar, the report also said.

It was not the first time Bocaue, known as the fireworks capital of the Philippines, had such an accident.

On December 31, 2007, seven people were hurt in an explosion that was caused by a cigarette being thrown at a pile of fireworks.

On December 31, 2004, seven people were killed, six of them minors, when more than 100 fireworks establishments went up in flames.

Nationwide fireworks ban

A separate report from Ian Cruz said the Department of Health is already drafting an executive order banning the use of fireworks nationwide.

However, Mayor Joni Villanueva called for the reconsideration of an order since the fireworks industry is also part of Bocaue's culture and tradition.

"Nung narinig natin yung pagsabog ay mukha agad ni Presidente [Rodrigo] Duterte yung una naming naisip sapagkat alam ko na isa sa mga apprehension niya noon ay patigilin ang ganitong klaseng industry," she said.

"Subalit dito sa Bocaue, hindi lang siya livelihood, it is part of our culture, our tradition," Villanueva added.

Duterte earlier said he is considering a nationwide ban on fireworks, and instead urge public fireworks display, citing health risks on users and non-users. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News