THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) yesterday said arson was behind the fire that gutted the Star City amusement center, citing the presence of gasoline in one of the gutted rides.
“In our mind, in the minds of the investigators, there is arson kasi nakakita na kami doon ng gasoline (we saw the presence of gasoline),” Pasay City Fire Marshall Supt. Paul Pili said.
He added they are awaiting the result of the samples collected from their arson laboratory and the National Bureau of Investigation.
Star City’s management stressed in a statement that it is inappropriate to release statements that arson was behind the fire, adding investigation is still ongoing. It added that management is not aware of any such motive.
Pili said the presence of gasoline was detected in the ride namaged Adventure Pirate.
He added they have dropped the possibility of electrical wiring problem because electricity in the complex was off when the fire broke out.
Pili said one possible person of interest in their investigation is one of the tenants of the popular park.
Star City management explained that there is gasoline inside the complex because there is a ride that uses gasoline to operate, like the Bumper Boat ride.
Star City has a fire safety inspection certificate that will expire this October.
The fire started last Wednesday early morning at about 12:27 a.m. and reached Task Force Bravo around 2:25 a.m.
BFP estimated the amount of damage from the fire at around P15 million while Star City management estimated it at around P1 billion.
Aside from the amusement park, the head offices of the park and the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) were also gutted by the fire. — Rod Lagusad
