MANILA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the explosion of a fireworks factory in a town south of the Philippine capital Metro Manila Thursday has risen to eight.

    Regional police Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad said the police investigators were considering the blast at Star Maker Fireworks factory in Cavite province Thursday morning an accident.

    More than three dozens of people were injured in the powerful explosion that brought down a row of houses and factory facilities.

    Palad said the collateral damage was likely to reach 3 million pesos (63,829 U.S. dollars).

    Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on Friday said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered police to conduct a thorough investigation and not to spare those who are responsible.