One hospitalized in Northern Samar explosion

September 18, 2020

One person was hospitalized following an explosion  in Northern Samar on Thursday morning, the Philippine Coast Guard reported on Friday.

Commodore Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, said the PCG personnel assisted the Philippine National Police (PNP) in investigating the explosion at the vicinity of Barangay Burabod, San Antonio Island, Northern Samar around 11:54 am.

"Upon arrival at the incident area, the team conducted panel inspection that led to the recovery of several improvised blasting caps and other explosive components," he said.

"Initial investigation from the PNP revealed that the place is used to secretly manufacture dynamite," he added.

''The investigation team suggested that the reported explosion was possibly caused by a lighted cigarette of the suspect behind the explosion who was immediately brought to the nearest hospital by his older brother for medical assistance,'' said Balilo.

"The investigation team believed that the lighted cigarette initiated the spontaneous explosion of a bundle of detonating cords," he said.

Balilo said the suspect behind the explosion and the owner of the place used in secretly manufacturing dynamites are under investigation. Robina Asido/DMS