Courtesy: City Government of Zamboanga
AT least five people were killed and more than 20 were wounded in a powerful explosion that rocked Zamboanga City, according to police.
Police Colonel Kimberly Molitas said they initially received reports of two adults killed and a minor when an explosion occurred inside a firecracker warehouse at Marquez Drive in Barangay Tetuan, shortly after 4 p.m.
Mayor John Dalipe, who rushed to the blast site, confirmed that five people died during the incident, based on the recovered bodies from the scene, and 20 more were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office listed 39 patients with minor injuries and eight in critical condition.
According to Engr. Rommel Allan Labayog of Phivolcs Zamboanga, the blast was so powerful that it generated a 1.14-km impact radius where residences near the warehouse incurred heavy damages, including the commercial establishments.
