Two people, including a 7-year-old child, were killed in an explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

The incident occurred at a house in Sitio Boquig, Barangay Bacayao Norte, Dagupan City.

Initial police investigation showed the explosion happened past 7 p.m. on Thursday.

Residents enjoying a Christmas party a few meters away from the house where the explosion occurred were startled and disturbed.

The mother and sibling of the 7-year-old child were injured.

The family was on their way to the Christmas party when, just as they passed directly in front of the house, there was a sudden explosion.

A 21-year-old student, who was just on his way to get a haircut and happened to be passing by the area, was also killed in the explosion.

According to some residents, the explosion originated from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, others said it was caused by firecrackers present at the illegal firecracker workshop itself.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident and are continuing to search for the owner of the house.

Four people injured in the incident are at the hospital and continue to be under observation.

Dagupan City

Dagupan City is a coastal city in the Philippines, located in the province of Pangasinan on the island of Luzon. Historically, it was established as a Spanish *pueblo* in the 16th century and is famously known as the site of the 1898 “Battle of Dagupan,” one of the final clashes of the Philippine Revolution. Today, it is a major commercial and educational hub in the region, celebrated for its vibrant Bangus (milkfish) festival and aquaculture industry.

Pangasinan

Pangasinan is a coastal province in the northwestern Philippines, historically known as the “Salt Capital” of the region due to its extensive salt-making industry. Its name derives from the word “asin” (salt) and “pangasinan” (place where salt is made), reflecting a key part of its cultural heritage. The area also features significant sites like the Hundred Islands National Park and the colonial-era Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag, a major Catholic pilgrimage destination.

Sitio Boquig

Sitio Boquig is a small, rural village located in the municipality of Bangued in the province of Abra, Philippines. It is primarily known for its natural landscapes and as part of the traditional homeland of the Tingguian (Itneg) indigenous people, who have inhabited the region’s mountainous areas for centuries. While not a major tourist site, it represents the local culture and agricultural way of life in the Cordillera foothills.

Barangay Bacayao Norte

Barangay Bacayao Norte is a residential barangay (village) located in the city of Dagupan, Pangasinan, Philippines. Historically, its name is derived from the local “bakayaw” tree, and the area was primarily agricultural before developing into an urban community as part of Dagupan’s expansion. Today, it is known for its local community events and as part of the greater metropolitan area that recovered from significant damage caused by the 1990 Luzon earthquake.