MANILA, Philippines – A fire broke out at the basement of a Banco de Oro (BDO) building in Makati City Thursday night.
A loud explosion was heard from the basement parking of the BDO building along H. dela Costa Street shortly before 11 p.m.
Security guards immediately sought help, and nearly 50 fire trucks responded to the emergency.
Arson investigators said the fire may have started from the building’s generator or from the Manila Electric Corporation’s (Meralco) substation, which supplies electricity to the whole building. Both are located in basement 3 of the building.
“Nahirapan kaming pumasok kasi basement. Madilim at makapal ang usok (We had a hard time entering the basement. It was dark and the smoke was thick),” said Superintendent Arnel Logronio, Bureau of Fire Protection Deputy Regional Director for Operations.
Makati Mayo Jejomar Binay also went to the scene to inspect the building.
No one was reported hurt.
“Ayun nga daw may malakas na pagsabog... nagpapasalamat talaga tayo at wala namang nasaktan at nadamay at naka-responde agad ang mga bumbero (They said there was a loud explosion… We’re thankful nobody was hurt and that the fire fighters responded quickly),” said Binay. -- With a report from Francis Faulve
