Five people were killed while more than 20 others were wounded after firecrackers exploded inside a warehouse in Zamboanga City on Saturday, June 29, 2024.  

Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), rescue team, and the police responded to the area after the explosion resulted in a fire, which lasted for almost three hours before the fire was put out.  

Because of the impact of the blast, the wall of the warehouse and other neighboring structures and establishments were damaged.  

“Ang lakas talaga ang impact niya.. tumakbo na kami palabas… madilim siya, maraming pulbura,” a resident, Divina Sumambot, said.  

Among the five fatalities was a boy around four years old, son of the caretaker of the warehouse. The 24 others who sustained wounds were given first aid before they were taken to the hospital.  

Estimated damage is P62.5 million.  

Authorities are already looking into the cause of the incident.  

“Please let us make sure we give out the right and the facts  of this situation, isa po itong fireworks bodega sumabog , we still do not know  the nature of which but we will make sure to advice and update everyone as soon as the bureau of fire determines  the reason why the fire started,” Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) Director, Col. Kimberly Molitas, said.  

Mayor John Dalipe said the owner of the warehouse has a license to operate a firecracker business.  

“Sa Zamboanga, si Joji Chua lang ang may license, wala ng iba, siya lang ang may license dito sa Zamboanga City… Titingnan natin, hintayin muna natin kung ano ang resulta ng imbestigasyon,” Dalipe said.  

However, authorities will have to investigate why the warehouse was put up in a residential area.  

The city’s chief executive is also looking into the proposal for a total ban on firecrackers in the city.  

The City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) has conducted assessment and profiling on the victims for the assistance the government will give.  

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao has reached out to the owner of the warehouse for a statement but is yet to receive a response, as of this writing.