Firecracker worker dies in explosion

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga ,  – A firecracker worker died and three others were seriously injured when a Roman Candle accidentally sparked and an explosion occurred at Purok 6, Barangay Sto. Niño, Baliuag, Bulacan, Saturday.

A belated report reaching here, said Senior Superintendent Fernando Villanueva, Bulacan provincial police director, identified the fatality as Antonio Santos, 44, a resident of said barangay.

Villanueva said injured were Alvin de la Cruz, Rudy Mapalad and Rodel Marcelo, 25, also residents of Barangay Sto. Niño, Baliuag town.

Reports said the victims were making Roman Candle but while in the process of loading black powder, it accidentally sparked causing sudden explosion and fire.

Santos and De la Cruz were immediately taken to Sagrada Fatima Hospital while Mapa­lad and Marcelo to Marcelo Hospital, both in Baliuag town. Villanueva, said Santos who sustained severe burns in the different parts of his body died while being transferred to Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Hospital in Manila.

The owner of the makeshift firecrackers factory identified as Arnaldo de la Cruz, 33, was immediately arrested by responding policemen.

Meanwhile, a police officer was killed and another wounded during a shooting incident in front of a foodchain in Barangay Sindalan, San Fernando, Pampanga, Friday.

A belated report reaching here said Superintendent Homer Penecilla, officer-in-charge of San Fernando police station, identified the fatality as Senior Police Officer 1 Bernard Agrano, a member of Floridablanca police station.

Penecilla said wounded PO1 Jayson Sampang, a member of the City Police was taken to Mother Theresa of Calcutta Hospital for medical treatment. –Ric Sapnu (The Philippine Star)