Explosion in ammo warehouse causes fire, blackout in Rizal

LOS BAÑOS, Laguna-An explosion in a warehouse filled with ammunition caused a big fire and power outage in parts of Pililia and Tanay municipalities in Rizal on Wednesday evening.

Senior Fire Officer 4 Mario Paredes of the Rizal Fire Bureau said the explosion took place inside a warehouse in Barangay Hulo in Pililia.

The warehouse, known only as LGF and which used to be a motorcycle warehouse, was filled with ammunition, he said.

The fire reached a third alarm as of 7:49 p.m. but it was declared under control at around 8:30 pm.

In a text message, Rizal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officer Loel Malonzo said firefighters and the local police have already cordoned off the area.

He said a house closest to the warehouse is about 50 meters while the nearest gasoline station is about 100 meters.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the explosion.

No casualty was reported. TVJ