AT least five people were killed and scores injured when a fire caused an explosion in a firecrackers’ warehouse in Marquez Drive, Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City last Saturday afternoon.
Reports from the Bureau of Fire Protection identified the fatalities as Roly Limen, 38; Miriam Daiz Gregorio, 37; Arden Limen, 4; Erica Mae Lacastesantos, 18; and Jonalyn Enriquez Ramos, 19.
The city fire department said its initial injury count was 24 but the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said it has recorded 38 injuries, 30 of them minor wounds.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire which started at around 4:10 p.m. and reached second alarm. Authorities declared the fire out at 6:40 p.m.
Fire officials said the warehouse and a residential house were destroyed, while 15 nearly structures were partially damaged. Power lines and roads leading to the blast site were temporarily closed.
Damage to property was estimated at P62.5 million.
Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe ordered proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and directed the City Social Welfare and Development Office to provide all the necessary assistance and support to affected individuals and families.
PROBE ORDERED
The Department of Labor and Employment yesterday ordered an investigation on the explosion for possible violations of occupational safety and health standards.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said he has directed the DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula to conduct an investigation of the incident.
“I have given instructions to our DOLE regional director to immediately look into the incident and undertake an occupational health and safety investigation,” said Laguesma.
While the probe is underway, he said operations at the firecracker warehouse in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City will be temporarily halted.
“The operation will be suspended to ensure the safety of the workers. It will only be lifted after needed safety measures have been put in place,” Laguesma said, adding the DOLE will extend assistance to the affected workers.
“We will take the necessary steps to help those affected workers,” he said.
Laguesma said they will wait for the report of the DOLE – Zamboanga Peninsula on the type of assistance needed by affected workers.
“If workers are displaced, temporary emergency employment can be provided,” assured Laguesma. — With Gerard Naval
