DZIQ 990AM: Tutuban fire to last up to three more days

MANILA, Philippines—The fire in Tutuban mall that started Wednesday could still last for two to three more days, a Radyo Inquirer 990AM report said Thursday.

Based on initial information obtained by firefighters, the blaze began in a cloth shop at 12:31 a.m. Wednesday, the report said.

The fire was not expected to spread and the alarm would no longer be raised from the current task force delta, the report said, quoting Senior Superintendent Bobby Baruelo.

Firefighters were having difficulties in putting out the fire inside the building due to the thick smoke and a lack of equipment, it said.

Photo by Radyo Inquirer’s Erwin Aguilon

They have managed to enter the building, but only around the outer perimeter, it said.

Recto Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Manila which is near the mall, remains closed to traffic due to the many firetrucks in the area, it said.

Other nearby malls have not closed and it was business as usual in the many bargain shops that abound in Divisoria, the report said.

Hear the complete report of Radyo Inquirer’s Erwin Aguilon