MANILA – A tragic firecracker explosion in Tondo claimed the life of one person and injured another on December 29, 2025, police reported. The incident occurred in a residential area of Barangay 105, where victims were reportedly handling or testing illegal fireworks ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The fatality was identified as a 42-year-old male resident, while the injured victim—a 38-year-old companion—was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe burns and shrapnel wounds. Manila Police District (MPD) investigators are probing whether the blast involved banned items like piccolo or improvised explosives, common in underground manufacturing.
MPD Station 1 commander Lt. Col. Ronaldo Mendoza confirmed the scene was secured, with evidence collected for ballistics and explosives analysis. Authorities reminded residents of the strict ban on certain firecrackers under RA 7183 and local ordinances, urging community displays instead.
This incident adds to rising pre-New Year firecracker-related casualties, underscoring dangers of unregulated pyrotechnics.
Incident Snapshot:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | December 29, 2025 |
| Location | Barangay 105, Tondo, Manila |
| Casualties | 1 dead, 1 injured |
| Cause | Firecracker explosion (under investigation) |