MALL SA DAVAO NASUNOG,29 NA KATAO PA ANG NA TRAP SA LOOB NITO AT HANGGANG NGAYON AY HINDI PA NAILALABAS.

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — A mall fire of undetermined cause occurred in one of Davao’s major shopping centers has trapped an estimated 29 people. The New City Commercial Corporation (NCCC) Mall in Davao caught fire on December 23, Saturday.
According to a report published by GMA News, the fire started inside the mall at around 9:35 in the morning. The mall, which is located at the corner of Mac Arthur Highway and MAA road, was bustling with people due to the holiday season.

via Kent Photography

It was even more packed on that particular day because it was a weekend. The high number of mall visitors could have been a disastrous factor, but fortunately, there are no reported casualties as of yet. However, an estimated number of no less than 29 individuals remain trapped inside the burning mall.
The Davao mall fire was immediately brought to the attention of firefighters and rescuers who rushed to the scene. Local authorities from the Bureau of Fire and Protection-Davao City (BFP) have already sent out a specialized team to lead the search and rescue operations for the victims trapped inside the mall.

via Kent Photography

City Fire Marshall F/Supt. Honee Fritz Alagano said that the screams and cries for help of the trapped victims still reverberate from inside the ablaze mall. As a matter of fact, some rescuers claimed that they can still hear the voices of the people trapped:
“Nasa 30 sila pero 1 pa lang ang nakita. Ang 29 hinahanap pa. Nahirapan tayo na i-rescue sila dahil sa kapal ng usok pero ginagawa natin ang lahat para mailigtas sila.”

via Rappler

The City Mayor’s Office and Social Services Office are offering extensive assistance to the family members of those people who were trapped in the burning mall. Meanwhile, the search and rescue operations for the trapped victims are still ongoing.
Authorities are still working to determine the origin of the mall fire. This is a developing story. Stay tuned for more updates.

via SJ de Ocampo