MANILA, Philippines — A 12-year-old boy died while another was injured in a firecracker explosion in Tondo, Manila on Sunday night. The Manila Police District (MPD) on Monday said that the blast occurred at around 8:30 p.m. The fatality, a Grade 5 student, was found lifeless on the sidewalk. His companion, also a 12-year-old student, sustained injuries and was rushed to the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center for treatment. Initial investigation revealed that the two boys picked up unexploded firecrackers on the sidewalk. One took an unidentified firecracker, while the other picked up a piccolo. Upon reaching Abad Santos Avenue, the piccolo was ignited using a disposable lighter. Both firecrackers allegedly exploded at the same time. The blast killed the Grade 5 student instantaneously. Authorities are continuing their investigation pending the release of the autopsy report.