MANILA — Marikina has enforced the suspension of activities at the BFCT Terminal in Barangay Calumpang following a tragic incident involving a truck, allegedly carrying fireworks, that resulted in a deadly explosion on Sunday (17 Dec 2023).
The blast claimed the lives of two individuals and left five others injured.
Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro, in response to the catastrophic event, officially halted terminal operations on Sunday evening, and this suspension will remain in effect pending a thorough investigation.
Mayor Teodoro expressed the city’s commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the explosion, particularly focusing on whether the terminal bears any responsibility for permitting the transportation of hazardous materials.
The decision to suspend operations underscores the gravity of the incident and the need for a comprehensive inquiry to ascertain any lapses in safety protocols or regulatory compliance.
The tragic incident has prompted local authorities to prioritize public safety and to assess the adequacy of measures in place to prevent the transportation of potentially dangerous goods.
The suspension serves as a precautionary measure to prevent further risks while investigators meticulously examine the details leading up to the explosion.
“The city of Marikina is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of its residents and will take necessary actions based on the findings of the investigation,” the mayor said.
(ai/mnm)