Blast rocks firecracker stalls in front of Cotabato SouthSeas Mall

The blast site seconds after the explosion along Don Rufino Alonzo Avenue, Cotabato City at about 1:45 p.m. December 31, 2018. (Photo by Jamboy Ramos)

COTABATO CITY , Philippines – An explosion ripped through rows of stalls selling firecrackers and fireworks in front of the SouthSeas Mall here Monday afternoon.

According to the Cotabato City police, the explosion could have been either accidental or could have been caused by a grenade.

“We are still investigating, it could be due to the firecracker or it was a fragmentation grenade, we will still conduct a post blast investigation,” Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr., Cotabato City deputy police chief told the Inquirer.

Galgo said at least five persons were rushed to various hospitals in the city for emergency treatment of injuries

The blast happened shortly before 2 p.m. with the mall’s entrance packed with holiday shoppers.

The names of the wounded were not available as of posting.  /muf

The blast site seconds after the explosion along Don Rufino Alonzo Avenue, Cotabato City at about 1:45 p.m. December 31, 2018. (Photo by Jamboy Ramos)