A FIRE that broke out in Barangay 310, Sta. Cruz, Manila on Wednesday night, November 27, sent shockwaves through the community, leaving hundreds of families displaced and raising concerns for the safety of nearby inmates.
The blaze, which started at 9:41 PM and quickly escalated to a 5th alarm within 30 minutes, consumed a residential area separated only by a fence from the Manila City Jail. The proximity of the fire to the jail forced the evacuation of some inmates, highlighting the vulnerability of the facility in the face of such emergencies.
The fire, fueled by the use of light materials and makeshift structures in the densely populated area, caused an estimated P3,750,000 worth of damage and affected around 500 families or 1,500 individuals.
Two civilians were injured, including a senior citizen who sustained burns and a 25-year-old who experienced difficulty breathing. Both are now in stable condition.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by fires in densely populated areas and the need for improved fire safety measures. It also raises questions about the preparedness of the Manila City Jail in dealing with emergencies, particularly those that could potentially affect the safety of inmates.
