A young boy was injured and multiple families were left homeless after separate incidents involving fire and explosives struck Negros Occidental on December 26, 2027, authorities reported.
Boy Injured in Bago City Firecracker Explosion
A 10-year-old boy sustained injuries to his left hand after an unexpected explosion in Purok Pine Tree, Barangay Tabunan, Bago City. According to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), the incident occurred at 8:56 in the evening.
Investigators revealed the child was playing with his grandmother's Santa hat. Unknown to him, the hat contained firecracker powder stored inside a plastic bag. The act of rotating the hat caused the powder to ignite, resulting in an immediate explosion.
Emergency responders rushed the victim to a hospital in Bago City for medical treatment. Police records did not specify the severity of the injury but confirmed the boy received care.
Kabankalan City Fire Destroys Homes, Displaces Dozens
In a separate and more devastating event, a fire tore through a residential area in Kabankalan City on the same day. The blaze erupted on Bonifacio Street in Barangay 3 around 7:00 p.m.
Records from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Kabankalan indicate the fire originated from one house and rapidly spread to neighboring structures built from light and concrete materials. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames by approximately 10:45 p.m.
The conflagration had severe consequences:
- Two boarding houses were completely destroyed.
- Seven other residential houses sustained significant damage.
- At least 91 individuals were displaced by the incident.
Fortunately, no casualties or fatalities were reported. All affected residents are now temporarily sheltered at the Kabankalan City Evacuation Center as they begin to recover from their losses.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Impact
Arson investigators from the BFP are actively conducting a thorough inquiry to pinpoint the exact origin and cause of the Kabankalan City fire. Their findings will be crucial for understanding how the disaster started.
The back-to-back incidents highlight seasonal and perennial safety concerns. The firecracker accident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by improperly stored explosive materials, especially when accessible to children. The massive fire underscores the vulnerabilities of densely populated communities, where fires can spread quickly with devastating effect.
Local officials are likely to review safety protocols as the communities of Bago City and Kabankalan City deal with the aftermath of a difficult day.
