Damage from bus terminal fire hits P245M, says investigators
THE fire that razed the Araneta City Bus Station and adjacent establishments in Cubao on Thursday left an estimated damage worth P245 million, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The BFP said no fatalities were reported although two people experienced dizziness and back pain.
No vehicles were at the premises when the fire started.
The fire destroyed the stores inside the building and caused the roof of the bus terminal to collapse.
The BFP received the call about the blaze at 4:46 p.m. It reached Task Force Bravo by 5:08 p.m.. At least 28 fire trucks were needed to contain the fire.
Fire out was declared at 10:09 p.m.
According to BFP Ground Commander Aristotle Bañaga, the fire spread quickly because the structure were made from old materials.
Bañaga said the fire started from the side of the bus station.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) advised affected bus terminal passengers to go to specific locations that have been designated as temporary pick-up areas.
Passengers taking trips from Cubao to:
- A. Roces may go to Annapolis cor. Aurora Blvd;
- Doña Carmen may go to 15th Avenue cor. P. Work;
- Marikina can go to 15th Avenue cor. P. Tuazon / Aurora Gateway;
- Pasig can take their rides at 13th Avenue cor. P. Work.
- Novaliches can go to Aurora Blvd entrance of the Gateway Mall.
