Update: Fire sweeps through Cubao bus terminal, roof buckles in raging blaze
![Cubao bus station is on fire](https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2023/02/329954908_526578776241415_8659937235885216073_n-1-620x465.jpeg)
From above, thick smoke erupts from a cluster of Cubao’s Araneta Center buildings. Photos from TXTFIRE PHILIPPINES
MANILA, Philippines — A fire broke out in a bus terminal on Araneta City, on Time Square Ave. in Cubao, Quezon City on Thursday, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Firefighters were called to the scene at 4:46 p.m., as the fire continued to spread. The situation escalated to the 4th Alarm, and firemen were still struggling to contain the blaze.
As of 7:58, the fire was categorized as Task Force Bravo. According to Ground Commander Ssupt. Aristotle Baaga, the age of the building was a contributing factor to the speed at which the flames spread. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Napakabilis po ng pag-spread ng fire. Alam naman po natin ang establishment na ito ay lumang-luma na. As far as I remember, 1974, yung dating Rustan’s. At noong 2020, na stop po ang [point to point] bus operations dito at kaya hanggang ngayon, non-operational siya ngayon except sa mangilang-ilang establishments,” said Bañaga.
Article continues after this advertisement(The fire spread very quickly. We know that this establishment is very old. As far as I remember, 1974, it was the old Rustan’s. In 2020, the point to point operations stopped and that is why until now, it is non-operational except for a few establishments).
Article continues after this advertisementAccording to Bañaga, the fire started at the right side of the establishment.
Bañaga declared the fire under control as of 8:20 p.m.
When asked if the rumor that the fire was started deliberately was true, Baaga just said, “no comment.”
Two persons were reported injured, one of them a volunteer firefighter.
The BFP has not released a damage estimate. However, part of the building’s roof has caved in, firemen reported.