• 12year old boy killed and another injured in fireworks explosion
• Authorities warn of dangers and investigate incident

A 12-year-old boy died and another sustained serious injuries after a group of fireworks they found exploded on a street in Tondo, Manila.

Manila police confirmed that the incident occurred around 8:23 p.m. on December 28 at the intersection of Lorenzo Street and José Abad Santos Road.

Initial investigations indicate that the two children were walking in the area when they discovered suspicious fireworks left on the sidewalk.

Reports state that one of them used a single lighter to ignite one of the fireworks, causing a powerful explosion that spread to the remaining fireworks.

A tricycle driver passing by told investigators that he saw the children just before the explosion.

Eyewitnesses in the densely populated area described a loud blast followed by a thick cloud of smoke on a street that is usually crowded during the year-end holiday.

Emergency teams declared one child dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries, while the second 12-year-old was transported to a medical center for treatment and is currently under medical supervision.

Police, in coordination with the explosives unit, forensic detection dogs, and the crime scene team, cordoned off the area and carried out cleanup operations after the explosion.

Manila police issued a strong warning about the dangers of abandoned fireworks as New Year’s celebrations approach.

They stated: "Everyone, especially parents and guardians, is reminded of the need for strict supervision of children and to completely prevent them from picking up, handling, or igniting fireworks left in streets or public places."

Authorities are currently investigating to determine the source of the abandoned fireworks and whether any local vendors or individuals may be responsible for leaving explosives in public areas.