Eight hurt in Panagbenga fireworks mishap

BAGUIO CITY-- Eight people were injured after being hit by a firework during the closing ceremony of Panagbenga 2026 at around 7:55 p.m. on 8 March 2026.

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) reported that the incident occurred at the skating rink located within Burnham Park.

Initial investigations identified the victims as four females and four males, all tourists from Pangasinan. Their ages range from 3 to 50 years old, including individuals aged 17, 18, 26, 36, 47, and 50, while the age of one victim has yet to be confirmed.

The victims stated that a firework struck a Styrofoam matting, which resulted in an explosion. One of the victims was recording a video at the time of the blast and was positioned in front of the seven other injured individuals.

The victim sustained an injury to the right shoulder. Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) responded to the site to examine the area. Authorities are currently investigating the incident to determine the specific source and cause of the stray firework. The investigation remains ongoing.