BACOLOD City – Eleven people, including event workers, spectators, and a 17-year-old student, were injured after an aerial firework allegedly malfunctioned and exploded on the ground during the Kabuganaan Festival fireworks display in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on August 2.
The incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. at the football field in Barangay 4, where hundreds of spectators had gathered for the festival’s grand fireworks presentation.
According to the Kabankalan City Police Station (CPS), emergency responders from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) alerted police about the explosion at around 9:40 p.m.
Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene and learned that the injured victims had already been rushed to Holy Mother of Mercy Hospital for medical treatment.
Initial investigation showed that one of the aerial fireworks, reportedly operated by a private pyrotechnics firm, allegedly malfunctioned and prematurely exploded on the ground instead of launching into the air.
The unexpected blast sent shrapnel and debris toward spectators and event personnel positioned near the display area, causing injuries to 11 individuals, police said.
Among those injured were a 57-year-old resident, a 52-year-old city government employee, members of the event production staff, several personnel of the Magic Audio System crew, a production manager, a teacher, and a 17-year-old student.
Police officers assigned to secure the event immediately cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties, while emergency responders and other concerned agencies assisted the injured and transported them to the hospital.
Authorities have yet to determine the extent of the victims’ injuries.
A joint investigation by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kabankalan and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether negligence or violations of existing safety regulations governing pyrotechnic devices contributed to the incident.
The fireworks display was part of the city’s annual Kabuganaan Festival celebration.
Meanwhile, Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda had
earlier issued Executive Order No. 2026-41, dated July 31, declaring August 3 a rest day for employees of the city government following the festival, while ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of emergency and other essential public services.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident as festival organizers and concerned agencies review safety protocols to prevent similar accidents during future public events./PN
