A leaking gasoline mixture that could cause fire prompted the evacuation of tenants of a condominium in Makati City late Wednesday.
Radio dzBB’s Denver Trinidad reported early Thursday morning that the 22-story West Tower condominium would be closed until fire authorities declare the area safe.
“Dapat ma-clear ang area bago bumalik (We have to clear the area and declare it safe before tenants can return)," Makati fire marshal Superintendent Samuel Tadeo said in an interview on dzBB.
Evacuation of some 400 tenants in the condominium started late Wednesday, while authorities were getting samples of the leaking liquid.
Several fire trucks and ambulances cordoned off the condominium, while city officials tried to siphon the liquid from the building’s basement early Thursday.
The West Tower condominium is located at the corner of Osmeña Highway and P. Garcia Street in Bangkal village in Makati City.
A portion of South Superhighway near the condominium was closed to traffic.
Tadeo said they are analyzing the liquid to verify if it was a mix of gasoline and diesel.
“May effort natin at city government para malaman saan galing ang liquid na ito (We are working with the city government to pinpoint the source of the liquid)," he said.
Bothered tenants
A report by radio dzBB’s Nimfa Ravelo said the smell of gasoline bothered the condominium's tenants as early as July 10.
Meanwhile, residents living near the condominium balked when fire officials asked them to stay temporarily at the nearby village hall for their safety.
Police and fire officials appealed to residents not to cook or smoke, and discouraged them from using their cellular phones.
But some of the residents said they cannot transfer immediately. — LBG
