Five dead,32 injured in Philippine factory blast

“The explosion was so powerful that it broke window panes even at the municipal hall more than a kilometre away,” town mayor Melencio Sagun said,adding that the victims were mostly factory workers.

Local health officer Vilma Diez said 32 blast victims had been rushed to hospital. She confirmed only one fatality,but police said at least four others had been seen inside the burnt out wreck.

Radio reports from the scene said thick black smoke was still billowing from the site three hours after the incident,while human body parts could be seen metres away from the factory.

“There are body parts scattered outside,” said local police chief Superintendent Reynaldo Galang,adding that police and health officials were trying to account for the estimated 100 staff.