Four individuals and eight others were injured during a fire caused by a firecracker explosion in Barangay Marulas, Valenzuela City, on Wednesday, September 24.

Among the latest fatalities were a two-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, who died in the hospital after sustaining severe burns. Earlier, the first reported casualties were twin seven-year-old girls, both Grade 2 students, who perished in the initial blast and blaze.

Police investigation revealed traces of pyrotechnic powder inside the two-story house where the explosion originated. However, investigators have yet to determine the exact source of ignition, according to P. Major Randy Llanderal, spokesperson of the Valenzuela Police.

Authorities suspect the residence of the twins had been used as a storage area for firecrackers, but the amount of stockpile remains under verification.

The incident destroyed the house where the explosion occurred and spread to at least four neighboring homes, displacing 10 families or around 30 individuals.

Meanwhile, Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian assured that the local government will provide assistance to all affected families.