A massive explosion killed two people and injured two others on Christmas night in Barangay Bacayao Norte in Dagupan City, local officials said.

Reports said that the blast occurred around 7:49 p.m. Wednesday in the Sitio Boquig area and according to the Dagupan City Government Information Office, first responders, including the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, arrived shortly after residents reported the explosion.

The PANDA Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Dagupan Electric Corp. also assisted at the scene.

The two injured victims were transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the casualties.

Mayor Belen Fernandez and Vice Mayor Bryan Kua visited the site to oversee the coordination between emergency agencies.

While an investigation into the cause of the blast is ongoing, Fernandez suggested the incident was linked to fireworks.

“Two lives were lost this Christmas. This is a tragedy that should not have happened,” Fernandez said in a statement.

“Fireworks are not a joy if the price is a human life. We will intensify the implementation of the law. There is no compromise on the safety of every Dagupeño,” she added.

Investigators are currently working to determine the exact origin of the explosion.