Car engulfed in flames near EDSA-Magallanes Interchange

A car was engulfed in flames near EDSA-Magallanes Interchange, which caused heavy traffic along the northbound lane on Monday morning.

According to Dano Tingcungco’s report in “24 Oras”, no one was injured from the incident as the driver was able to get out of the vehicle.

A security guard of a nearby village was the first one to respond to the fire.

“Tumakbo ako and then kinuha yung fire extinguisher. Kumuha pa ako ng fire extinguisher, hindi pa rin kinaya. Pagdating ng fire truck, tapos ayun binugahan namin ng tubig,” said Jomar Cabarles.

(I immediately ran and got a fire extinguisher. I rushed to get another one, but it’s still not enough to put out the fire. When the fire truck arrived, the flame was extinguished with water.)

The driver was clueless that his vehicle was already burning, the report said.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined. But the Makati Central Fire Station said the incident will no longer be investigated per the driver’s request.

“They asked if the driver wanted an investigation, but the driver already said ‘no need’. Ang nangyari parang na-relocate na yung vehicle doon sa fire scene mismo. So the evidence will be considered null and void,” said  Makati Central Fire Station chief fire marshall  F/Sr. Insp. Nicolo Verdadero.

(They asked if the driver wanted an investigation, but the driver already said ‘no need.’ The car was actually relocated from the fire scene. So the evidence will be considered null and void.)

Amid the observance of Fire Prevention Month, authorities warn that vehicles are not safe from the hot weather.

Authorities advise car owners to always check the water, battery, electrical wiring, and the car’s radiator.

“Commonly, ang nagkakaroon ng issues sa batteries. For example, kapag mayroon tayong grounded na wires, na minsan po yung ibang mga equipment na nasa loob ng sasakyan ay possible may overloading. Baka mayroon tayong nilalagay na mga stereo or amplifiers that can will cause overloading sa sasakyan. ‘Yun po minsan yung hindi kinakaya ng load ng battery, that’s why ‘yun yung nagko-cause ng overheating,” said Verdadero.

(Commonly, batteries are the ones experiencing issues. For example, when we have grounded wires and other equipment plugged in, it may cause overloading. The battery’s load capacity can no longer handle it so it causes overheating.) — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News