A fireworks warehouse exploded injuring at least 18 people and shaking nearby homes in the Philippines on Thursday morning.

The powerful blast sent shockwaves that shattered windows and shook buildings in the Bunducan area of Bocaue town in Bulacan province on June 15.

The Bocaue Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said at least 18 residents near the warehouse suffered minor injuries. Three were taken to the hospital for hypertension, while the others were given first aid by medics.

Firefighters reported that 16 houses were destroyed, seven were 'partially damaged', and 22 were 'slightly damaged' while around 120 families were affected by the explosion.

Drone footage shows how the ensuing fire caused by the blast ripped through the warehouse, igniting explosives and chemicals inside. It was extinguished at around 5 am, officials said.

The Bocaue BFP said the building was operating illegally and did not have a permit. Officials have now launched legal action against the owners.

Speaking to local media, Senior Inspector Earl Carlo Mariano, Municipal Fire Marshal, said: 'The warehouse was located near homes, which is not allowed. We do not allow fireworks factories to be built near residential areas.'

Bunducan district council chief Captain Lauro Tuazon Jr. added: 'If we had known it was a fireworks storehouse, we would have closed it down since it sitting in a residential area.

'Probably, the owners hid it so they could earn a living. They thought it would be good for them, but this is what happened.'

The BFP said it was investigating the cause of the explosion and searching for the owner of the warehouse, identified as Nenita Oprecio.

Homeowner Macy Baylon, whose house was damaged in the blast and captured the incident on her security camera, said: 'I thought it was just lightning, so I didn't bother checking. But when I heard my neighbours gathering outside and my brother calling me, I went downstairs and found the living room a mess.'

The Bunducan government said affected residents were temporarily staying at a covered court in the locality while their homes were being repaired.