A fireman inspects the gallery of the Cuneta Astrodome where fire broke out Wednesday morning. Image from BFP-NCR / Facebook
MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City during a COVID-19 vaccination drive for minors on Wednesday morning, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The fire, which originated at the second floor of the establishment, reached the first alarm at 8:18 a.m.
It was put under control at 10:32 am and was finally extinguished at 10:57 am, according to the BFP.
The Pasay City government said the vaccination of minors will continue at the SM Mall of Asia on Thursday.
“Ayaw daw po ni Mayor na i-postpone ng matagal kaya yung bukas po lipat lang nga sa SM MOA at kung anong oras daw po sila pinapupunta ganon pa rin daw po,” Pasay City Barangay Bureau head Dong Pascual said in a text message.
(Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano does not want to postpone the vaccination so it will just be transferred to SM MOA, and the vaccinees’ assigned schedules will remain the same.)
It is yet to be determined if there are COVID-19 vaccines damaged in the fire.
The local government said they will shortly announce the update with the vaccination.