Second victim dies in Marikina firearms factory blast
MARIKINA CITY — Tragedy struck as the second victim of the Marikina firearms factory blast passed away, local authorities confirmed early Tuesday. The devastating explosion took place at Armscor Global Defense Inc.’s ammunition section on Monday afternoon.
The blast injured three workers, with the first victim succumbing to injuries just hours after the incident. Now, the second victim has also died, marking a somber day for the community.
“Sad news. Two have been reported dead,” said Marikina City police chief Col. Geoffrey Fernandez in a DZBB interview. Armscor echoed this confirmation in a Tuesday statement, assuring that full support and assistance are being provided to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the third injured person has already been discharged from the hospital, according to company officials.
Investigation into Marikina firearms factory blast underway
Col. Fernandez shared preliminary details on the cause of the blast, citing investigators’ findings. “According to our investigator, there was an item wrapped in cloth. Then, accordingly, upon opening it, something exploded,” he explained.
Authorities are currently reviewing the facility’s closed-circuit television footage to piece together the events leading up to the explosion. However, neither the police nor Armscor has publicly identified the victims or disclosed further details about what triggered the blast.
Armscor emphasized that throughout its decades of operation, the company has strictly adhered to all applicable international standards and industry regulations. They reiterated their commitment to safety and compliance amid ongoing investigations.
Officials continue to assess the situation and prioritize the safety of employees and residents in the area.
For more news and updates on the Marikina firearms factory blast, visit Filipinokami.com.
