Following the recent blaze that engulfed 19 vehicles at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 parking lot, the operator has pledged to compensate affected owners.
Philippine Skylanders International Inc. (PSI), the operator, asserted its commitment to cover all damages incurred by the vehicle owners, as reported by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). However, PSI emphasized that this compensation does not imply any admission of fault or negligence on their part, as stated in a letter obtained by the press.
In response to the incident, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), which oversees NAIA, has directed PSI to take immediate action. MIAA ordered the removal of grass from the parking area, replacing it with gravel. Until this task is completed, PSI is prohibited from resuming its operations.
Chris Bendijo, MIAA’s head executive assistant, disclosed during a press briefing that PSI had already planned to cover the grass with gravel prior to the fire outbreak and already has the necessary materials prepared.
MIAA acting general manager Eric Jose Ines suggested that the fire might have been caused by a grassfire, particularly due to the potential for rapid spread in the area. Bendijo added that the recent high heat index could have exacerbated the situation.
The fire incident occurred on April 22, with reports reaching MIAA around 1 p.m. Fortunately, the blaze was swiftly contained and declared extinguished by 1:57 p.m. Despite investigations, the official cause of the fire is yet to be determined by the Bureau of Fire Protection.
According to PNA, seven out of the 19 affected vehicle owners have already contacted MIAA seeking assistance.