Three hurt as Lapu-Lapu firecracker factory catches fire

THREE persons including a 16-year-old boy were wounded when a firecracker factory caught fire in barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City yesterday afternoon.

Marlon Ducanes, 19; Noli Aying, 21; and the boy, all residents of barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, sustained second-degree burns.

The victims were taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital.

Ducanes narrated that they were making “kwitis” in an open shanty around 2 p.m. when they heard an explosion near the area where the boy was working.

Fire quickly spread. Residents in the area put out fire with pails of water.

FO3 Teotimo Vallar of the Lapu-Lapu Fire Central Office said they are still investigating the cause of the fire.

The factory is owned by Noli’s mother Feliza.

Vallar said Feliza could be charged for allowing a minor to work.

Feliza admitted that she is not a licensed manufacturer. She said she bought 10 kilos of gunpowder from a certain Fredo whom she claimed is a licensed firecracker manufacturer.

She said the 10 kilos of gunpowder could make about 2,000 pieces of “kwitis” which can be sold for P4 each./CORRESPONDENT NORMAN V. MENDOZA