Dozens injured after confiscated fireworks explode in Philippines

Police and rescuers prepare to evacuate injured people (Regional Police Information Office 9 via AP)

At least 27 people, including 19 police and other government personnel, were injured when a large pile of confiscated fireworks exploded in the southern Philippines, damaging houses, hotels and an international airport.

Two of the victims of Monday afternoon’s explosion were in a serious condition in hospital in the southern port city of Zamboanga, where the mayor ordered an investigation into why the planned controlled destruction of the fireworks by police ordnance experts turned into a massive blast.