Investigators looking at 2 cars as possible cause of NAIA parking lot fire

Investigators are eyeing two vehicles as the possible cause of the parking lot fire at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 earlier this week.

GMA's 24 Oras reported that according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), investigators are basing it on a witness statement claiming the fire began near a gray car and a black sports utility vehicle.

“Sa initial (investigation) is lumalabas is it’s between, sa dalawa lang,” Bayani Zambrano, chief of the BFP’s arson investigation division, said. “Wala namang ganun allegation na may sumabog. Ang napansin ng guard may umuusok then halos meron nang apoy.”

Whether the fire was due to natural causes or vehicular problems, Zambrano said they’d focus on the two cars in question.

He added that they are still identifying the owners of the two cars.

They’re also studying whether a case could be filed against the parking lot operator, Philippine Skylanders International Inc. (PSI).

“Without any human intervention ng may-ari, hindi mo naman masabi na kasalanan niya unless may ginawa siyang mali,” Zambrano said.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which manages NAIA, ordered the PSI to remove the grass over the parking area and cover it with gravel. Until then, the company cannot operate.

MIAA acting general manager Eric Jose Ines has said a grassfire could be the reason for the blaze, especially since it could rapidly spread in the area.

The PSI, meanwhile, said it will shoulder all damages incurred by the owners of the vehicles involved, but pointed out that it’s not an admission of fault or negligence.

On April 22, the MIAA received reports of a fire past 1 p.m. It was declared out at 1:57 p.m.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has yet to give the official cause of the fire that affected 19 cars.

Of the 19 vehicle owners, 11 of them have reached out to the MIAA, according to GMA's 24 Oras.