As if stricken with a curse, a powerful explosion rocked Barangay Turo, Bocaue, Bulacan Saturday afternoon, razing to the ground two fireworks stalls.
No one was hurt in the explosion that triggered a fire at around 1:45 p.m. Saturday, police said.
Reports said that the fireworks stall is owned by a certain Pacita Manahan Parulan.
Police are looking into the possibility that the explosion was not accidental but could be deliberately set up because a case of robbery reportedly took place before the blast occurred.
Unconfirmed reports said that an errand boy took away cash money (mostly sales from New Year celebration) amounting to thousands of pesos. After the owner discovered that the money was missing the blast took place, sources said.
Mayor Serafin dela Cruz has ordered an investigation.
Explosions at the row of fireworks stall in Barangay Turo have become a common occurrence the past years. Last Dec. 31, 2004, at least four persons were killed when a powerful explosion razed several fireworks stalls in the said barangay. That explosion was triggered by a wayward sky-rocket (kwitis) that landed on a pile of bombshells.
That incident prompted Mayor Dela Cruz and the municipal government to implement strict safety measures. Dela Cruz also said plans are underway for the establishment of a "Fireworks City" along the North Luzon Expressway where the fireworks stalls, particularly in Barangay Turo, will be transferred.
Dela Cruz said the "Fireworks City" will not only ensure safety in the selling of pyrotechnics, one of the major industry in Bulacan, but will also boost tourism in the area because a theme park will also be constructed beside it.
No one was hurt in the explosion that triggered a fire at around 1:45 p.m. Saturday, police said.
Reports said that the fireworks stall is owned by a certain Pacita Manahan Parulan.
Police are looking into the possibility that the explosion was not accidental but could be deliberately set up because a case of robbery reportedly took place before the blast occurred.
Unconfirmed reports said that an errand boy took away cash money (mostly sales from New Year celebration) amounting to thousands of pesos. After the owner discovered that the money was missing the blast took place, sources said.
Mayor Serafin dela Cruz has ordered an investigation.
Explosions at the row of fireworks stall in Barangay Turo have become a common occurrence the past years. Last Dec. 31, 2004, at least four persons were killed when a powerful explosion razed several fireworks stalls in the said barangay. That explosion was triggered by a wayward sky-rocket (kwitis) that landed on a pile of bombshells.
That incident prompted Mayor Dela Cruz and the municipal government to implement strict safety measures. Dela Cruz also said plans are underway for the establishment of a "Fireworks City" along the North Luzon Expressway where the fireworks stalls, particularly in Barangay Turo, will be transferred.
Dela Cruz said the "Fireworks City" will not only ensure safety in the selling of pyrotechnics, one of the major industry in Bulacan, but will also boost tourism in the area because a theme park will also be constructed beside it.