A joyful and colorful fireworks display competition turned into a disaster as fireworks exploded near spectators in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.

According to the local government, the fireworks display competition is being held every Friday and Saturday until Christmas Day.

Mayor Lemuel Acosta said the strong winds may have toppled the fireworks down and they exploded before they could go off into the sky.

Fortunately, no one was injured and personnel of the Oroquieta City Fire Station were quick to respond.

“Mao to nga pagkatumba didto diretso sa mga tawo nga nagpaduol pero nevertheless pasalamat ta sa Ginoo nga walay nahitabo nga dautan niana. Muna ang atong Bureau of Fire ug participants sa fireworks display nato naghimo dayun og corrective measures sa next which is tomorrow (Biyernes),” Acosta said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the setup of the contest passed the inspection.

Authorities will implement stricter safety measures to avoid a similar incident from happening like placing spectators far from the fireworks.

“Posible nga naa gyud madamay nga mga sakyanan, mo-spark lang gamay. Syempre, mo-create man pud na siya, siya man mag-create og ignition,” City Fire Marshall, Chief Inspector Isagani Olmedo Jr., said.

“Anything can happen in such stage or activity… maskin iingon nato nga naa ta’y safety measures sa fireworks, pwede na dili mubuto kani tanan, dili mo-work ang system o unsa… kinahanglan ang mga tawo, layo gyud sa atong fireworks,” Acosta said.