The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has officially declared the case of the fire that engulfed the historic Manila Central Post Office building in Manila on May 21 as an accident, according to the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost).
In a statement released on Monday, the PHLPost announced that the BFP's investigation into the incident has been closed and solved.
The report determined that the fire was caused by the sudden self-discharge of a car battery, resulting in thermal runaway, the buildup of heat and pressure, and eventually leading to an explosion.
“Moreover, the presence of the internal short circuit, the hydrogen and the volatile gases contained in the battery and the presence of oxygen as the oxidizing agent initiated the ignition. The contributory factors and the combustibility of materials fueled and sustained the ignition sequence,” the statement read.
The fire clearance certificate issued by the BFP indicated that the fire originated in the southern part of the basement, particularly in the Mega Manila Storage Room.
This area contained office supplies, thinners, and paint cans, which were stored near car batteries.
“The BFP report stated that the combustibility of the load contents and its enclosed set-up greatly influence heat build-up that explains the explosion and subsequent conflagration, leading to the full development of fire and subsequent damage of the nearby structures,” the PHLPost added.
Designed by Filipino architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua, the Manila Central Post Office was constructed in 1926. It suffered damage during World War II, particularly during the Battle of Manila, but was restored in 1946, shortly after the war ended.
