Defective fireworks turn Pampanga Easter Sunday revelry into commotion

What was supposed to be a joyous Easter Sunday celebration in San Luis, Pampanga turned into panic and commotion after defective fireworks failed to launch and instead exploded on the ground.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24-oras” on Tuesday, attendees of the event scampered for cover as the fireworks flew in various directions.

“Nangibabaw ‘yung takot kasi hindi mo alam kung saan pupunta. Walang specific direction kung saan pupunta ‘yung mga paputok. ‘Yung isa nga pumunta sa isang bata,” Reniel Taruc, one of the witnesses of the incident, said.

(The people were very scared, they don't know where to go.  The fireworks were exploding in various directions. One even went near a child.)

Based on a police report, the fireworks were defective.

“Parang ‘yung nabili nila ay old stock. Instead na sa taas pumutok, eh pumutok po sa baba,” Police Major Fernando Tolentino, chief of San Luis Pampanga Municipal Police Station, said.

(It appears that what they purchased was old stock. Rather than exploding in the sky, it exploded on the ground.)

Organizers stated this is the first time they’ve had a problem with their fireworks supplier in Bulacan.

“Sa kaparokya po namin dito sa San Luis Pampanga, humihingi po ako ng paumanhin sa nangyari noong Sabado de Gloria. Hindi naman po natin ito kagustuhan,” said Marcelina Munoz, president of the Parish Pastoral Council of San Luis Gonzaga Parish.

(In our parish here in San Luis Pampanga, I apologize for what happened last Saturday. We don’t want this to happen.)

Authorities said at least three people sustained minor injuries because of the incident.

“Dinala agad sa hospital ‘yung tatlo – dalawang minor. Pagdating po doon binigyan ng first aid. Dahil nga minor lang ang tinamo nilang injury, so pinauwi din po agad,” Tolentino added.

(The three were taken to the hospital immediately. When they arrived there, they were given first aid. Because they only sustained minor injuries, they were sent home afterwards.)

Tolentino noted that they will hold accountable those who sold defective fireworks once the victims decide to file charges.—Mel Matthew Doctor/LDF, GMA News