Five people, including a child, were killed following a massive firecracker depot blast in the Philippines on Saturday, according to emergency officials. Another 38 people were injured in the incident, with eight of them in critical condition, officials added.

The blast reportedly happened around 4.00pm local time, creating a 20m-long crater in the ground and hurling debris into nearby buildings.

Officials said nearly 15 other structures were partially damaged during the incident, including a nearby soft drinks factory, several homes in the area, and a grains and flour warehouse.

Those killed in the explosion include four warehouse workers and four-year-old son of a staffer.