DAVAO CITY—(Updated) A massive fire hit a mall here on Saturday morning, authorities said.
Rescue operations were going on for people who may have been trapped as firefighters were battling to put out the fire that swept through the upper level of New City Commercial Center (NCCC) Mall in Ma-a road shortly around 9:30 a.m., Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of Davao City Police Office said.
Reports indicated the blaze may have started from the mall’s third level shortly after the establishment opened and shoppers were allowed inside.
“The fire started at the third floor particularly at the furniture section going to the fourth floor going to the SSC call center office,” Gaspan told the Inquirer.
Firefighters and personnel from the 911 Emergency Service are now conducting search and rescue operations inside the mall, the city police spokesperson said.
An investigation into the blaze was now underway, she added.