A 78-year-old man from Barangay Bonifacio, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija, died five days after a firecracker explosion injured his legs severely.

The explosion happened on December 22, 2024.

The victim, identified as Rodolfo Matias, was found bleeding and unconscious following a loud explosion heard by residents.

“Nakita po ng father ko na nakahandusay dito. Itinakbo na po sa ospital… Dalawang paa niya… nabalatan po yung paa niya, Sir,” Menard Matias, the victim’s grandson, said.

Rodolfo was rushed to a hospital in Cuyapo and was transferred later to the Tarlac Provincial Hospital and, eventually, to a facility in Cabanatuan City where he died due to acute respiratory failure secondary to healthcare-associated pneumonia.

Authorities said the victim was making firecrackers in the past until but he stopped in 2018 after he was arrested for absence of a permit.

The explosion was so intense that a metal drum nearby was dented and punctured.

“Noong nangyari ang insidente, hindi naman talaga siya naglalaro ng paputok. ‘Yung stocks ng paputok niya nililinis niya, hinihiwa-hilaway, then sabi ng asawa pinupukpok ‘yung iba. Baka ‘yun ‘yung nag-cause ng sunog o explosion,” PLTCOL Jeffrey S. Onde, Acting Chief of Cuyapo Police, said.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident while tightening surveillance of firecracker stores to prevent illegal sale and ensure a safer celebration of the New Year.