MANILA — At the parking facility of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Monday, April 22, 2024, a distressing incident unfolded as flames engulfed approximately 19 vehicles.
Miraculously, no injuries were reported. According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the conflagration erupted at the parking extension area.
MIAA Acting General Manager Eric Jose Ines recounted the rapid spread of the fire, initially reported as one vehicle ablaze, but upon the Fire Department’s arrival, numerous others had succumbed to the flames. Ines lamented the severe damage inflicted upon most of the vehicles.
Despite the chaos, normal airport operations persevered, and flights remained unaffected, Ines reassured. Fortunately, the swift response of emergency services contained the blaze, with fire out declared at 1:57 p.m., mere minutes after the alarm was raised at 1:28 p.m.
In investigating the incident, authorities are exploring various factors, including extreme heat and the possibility of a grassfire, compounded by windy conditions in the vicinity.
In clarifying responsibility, Ines emphasized that the MIAA bears no liability for the occurrence, as the parking area is under the jurisdiction of a private concessionaire.
Through this challenging ordeal, the safety and well-being of passengers and airport personnel remained the utmost priority, affirmed MIAA officials.
(el Amigo/MNM)
