MANILA, Philippines — An explosion caused by confiscated fireworks resulted in minor damage to Zamboanga International Airport on Monday, said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
According to CAAP in an advisory, the explosion occurred around 2 kilometers away from the airport at 5:35 p.m., which slightly damaged the check-in area of the Passenger Terminal Building.
“Fortunately, no passengers were affected and no flight delays were recorded. After a thorough inspection, normal operations continue at the airport,” CAAP said.
Initial reports from the Philippine National Police showed that the explosion was caused by confiscated firecrackers.
A joint team from the Regional Explosive and Canine Unit 9, the Philippine Marines, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard was in the process of disposing of the confiscated fireworks when a premature detonation occurred.
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“The case is now under thorough investigation by the PNP to fully determine the details of the incident,” CAAP said.
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