MANILA, Philippines – Three people were killed while 2 others were wounded after a row of shops selling firecrackers at the Oval Plaza in General Santos City was engulfed in flames on Christmas Eve.

Two unidentified women were among the fatalities. The other fatality was a certain Arlene Arnaez, who succumbed due to a grave wound on her leg.

The fire lasted for about an hour before it was put out.

Witnesses said a customer tried to test the firecracker “kwitis,” which triggered other firecrackers to explode.

Authorities are now searching for the individual who tested the firecracker. They estimated the damage to be worth P1.5 million. – With reports from ANC and Anne Santos, ABS-CBN News General Santos City