MANILA, Philippines -- An accidental explosion from a stock of fireworks rocked Marikina and partially destroyed its Central Post Office at around 5:45 p.m. Saturday afternoon just before the local Angkan-angkan (clans) celebration.
No injuries or fatalities were immediately reported.
Marikina police chief Superintendent Sotero Ramos said the fireworks for tonight’s celebration of the city’s old families may have prematurely exploded due to the summer heat.
Rey Gabriel and Dominador Cruz Sr., local Bantay Bayan (people’s guard) volunteers, said the blast happened in the pay parking lot beside the Rodriguez Sports Center near the Marikina City Hall.
The parking lot was emptied for the Angkan-angkan celebration, not the city’s Foundation Day as earlier reported.
SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) teams have already responded to the site, which has been cordoned off.
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