NEWS: Makati condo now hot zone as petrol leak flows

[ghosthunter]

Taken from:
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquire...-as-leak-flows

Makati condo now hot zone as leak flows
By Niña Calleja
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:01:00 07/21/2010


A 22-STORY condominium on Osmeña Highway in Makati City has been declared a hot zone by the City Disaster Coordinating Council following an oil leak in the building that was detected 10 days ago.

Superintendent Samuel Tadeo, Makati fire marshal, described West Tower, located at the corner of Osmeña Highway and Gen. Del Pilar Street in Barangay Bangkal, as a “ticking bomb that could explode if ignited.” Oil has been leaking from an undetermined source since July 12.

In an emergency meeting Wednesday, several city department heads discussed possible solutions to the leak that has affected not just West Tower but also residents in surrounding areas who said the smell of gasoline had reached their homes.

Upon the recommendation of the council, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay ordered the management of West Tower to close down the building and evacuate the residents as soon as possible.

Tadeo said the mayor ordered him to set up a command post to guard the area.

“The 60 families occupying the building must leave immediately because it’s no longer safe for them,” Tadeo said.

He said a single spark could trigger a huge explosion similar to what happened at Glorietta 2 mall in Ayala Avenue three years ago.

“The public should not panic because we have taken precautionary measures,” he added.

Tadeo said they decided to declare the building a “hot zone” as the oil coming from the sump pit in the second basement of West Tower kept flowing. On Saturday, two barrels were already full of diesel, gasoline, and kerosene from the leak.

A device for suctioning fumes had not prevented it from spreading in the air since the fumes could still pass through the drainage canal and reach houses at least two blocks away from the building, Tadeo said.

Erlinda Bautista, owner of a variety store behind West Tower said she was aware of the fumes for a week now. “We’re afraid because it’s gasoline and we don’t know what can happen if it explodes,” she said.

Vincent Clado, the condominium’s property manager, said the management agreed to close down the building because “it was better to be safe than sorry.”

Earlier, the First Philippine Industrial Corp., the firm that operates the pipeline under Osmeña Highway carrying oil from Batangas to the Pandacan Oil Depot, insisted that there was no leak from the pipeline.

[ghosthunter]

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/196794/m...n-cordoned-off

[SIZE="3"]Makati condo shut down, cordoned off[/SIZE]
07/23/2010 | 09:57 AM


After evacuating its tenants and shutting it down, Makati City officials have cordoned off a condominium after a gasoline leak in its pipes.

Radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported that as of early Friday, Makati City police and fire officials declared the West Tower Condominium off-limits to all.

The report said the mayor's office ordered all authorities concerned to ensure public safety while the investigation into the cause of the leak is ongoing.

As of Friday morning, the city government posted special rescue unit teams around the condominium.

For its part, the First Philippine Industrial Corp. stopped digging in near the condominium area.

Evacuation of some 400 tenants started late Wednesday, even as authorities got samples of the leaking flammable liquid.

The 22-story West Tower condominium is located at the corner of Osmeña Highway and P. Garcia Street in Bangkal village in Makati City. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV

[oliver1013]

Now thats goin to hurt ayala's reputation

[niwde11]

Now thats goin to hurt ayala's reputation

are you sure sa ayala yung condo? parang wala ako nabasa

[vinj]

If you're pertaining to its location, it's far from the Ayala Center area. It's near the Magallanes interchange.

[chrismarte]

^^location nyan is sa likod ng old Intel Bldg....

Until now di nila ma trace kung san galing yung leak?need to trace this leak ASAP baka biglang sumabog yan...tsk tsk tsk.....

[oliver1013]

are you sure sa ayala yung condo? parang wala ako nabasa

Oops onga no, halatang mahina sa reading and comprehension, nakita ko lang yung glorietta naisip ko agad ayala rin, my bad my bad