Death toll in Bulacan factory explosion hits 12

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from the explosion that hit a factory in Bulacan province Tuesday night has risen to 12 as of early Wednesday, police said. Santa Maria town police head Superintendent Marcos Rivero said that as of 2 a.m., the death toll stood at 12, with five workers injured. "Ang latest as of 2 a.m. kanina, 12 ang patay at ang 5 injured. Kanina mga 12 midnight, 8 ang patay, ang injured e 6 [As of 2 a.m., 12 were confirmed dead and five injured. As of midnight Tuesday, eight were dead and six injured]," Rivero said in an interview on dzBB radio. He did not name the fatalities and those injured, but said the injured were rushed to hospitals in Santa Maria town, Malolos City in Bulacan, and in Manila. Rivero said initial investigation showed the incident occurred at the factory at Guyong village at 8 p.m. Tuesday. An initial check showed the heat exchange of a boiler exploded, killing and injuring workers on the night shift. But he said that this early, they have virtually ruled out sabotage in the incident, saying the factory had been operating for nearly 22 years. "Napakatagal nitong factory, halos 22 years na. Maganda ang kalagayan nila simula pa so talagang nagkaroon ng disgrasya [This factory had been operating for almost 22 years. It is more likely this was an accident)," he said. On the other hand, he said they are now studying possible charges against the owner of the factory, including negligence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple physical injuries. - GMANews.TV