How Did 5 People Die in an Explosion at a Suspected Illegal Fireworks Factory in Malasiqui, Pangasinan?
Quick answer: Five people, including an eight-year-old girl, were killed after a suspected illegal fireworks factory exploded and caught fire in a field in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines, on Wednesday night, 4 November 2026. Two other people escaped.
Key facts
- What: Explosion and fire at a suspected illegal fireworks factory
- Where: A house in the middle of a farm field in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines
- When: Wednesday night, 4 November 2026; firefighters declared the fire out by 8:21 p.m.
- Reported toll: 5 killed, including an eight-year-old girl; 2 others escaped
- Emergency number in the Philippines: 911
What happened
A house standing in the middle of a farm field in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, exploded and caught fire on Wednesday night. The explosion set off a large fire that killed five people, according to the authorities. A resident, Joshua Lomibao, told GMA News that there were many loud blasts, that visitors left the area, and that it looked like fireworks.
Firefighters reached the scene and declared the fire out by 8:21 p.m. Two other people managed to escape. The house stood around 600 metres away from the nearest other houses, in the middle of farmland.
The investigation
Police believe the house was being used to store or make fireworks without the proper permits. Malasiqui Police Station Chief P/Lt. Col. Francisco Sawadan said the building had been a piggery where pigs and goats were kept, and that fireworks were apparently being stored or made there without the knowledge of the owner.
Officers cordoned off the area and found boxes of baby rockets, kuwitis and materials used to make fireworks. Police have issued an advisory to barangays to keep a closer watch on activities in their communities. Authorities are still working out who owns the property, and survivors of the fire have declined to comment.
Fireworks safety
Fireworks should only be bought from licensed sellers and used in line with local rules. Making or storing fireworks at home is dangerous: the materials can catch fire or explode with little warning, and a fire in a building full of fireworks can spread fast and leave people inside with no time to get out. Anyone who suspects fireworks are being made or stored illegally should report it to the local police or fire service.
Frequently asked questions
How many people died in the Malasiqui fireworks factory explosion?
Five people were killed, including an eight-year-old girl. Two other people escaped.
Where did the explosion happen?
At a house in the middle of a farm field in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines, around 600 metres from the nearest other houses.
When did the explosion happen?
On Wednesday night, 4 November 2026. Firefighters declared the fire out by 8:21 p.m.
What caused the explosion?
Police believe the house was being used as an illegal fireworks factory. Officers found boxes of baby rockets, kuwitis and materials used to make fireworks at the scene.
What did police say about the property?
Malasiqui Police Station Chief P/Lt. Col. Francisco Sawadan said the building had been a piggery and that fireworks were apparently stored or made there without the owner's knowledge. Authorities are still determining who owns the property.
In this story
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