Sprinklers did not work
A March 19 blaze in a Manila casino hotel killed six people including two security camera operators, according to media reports. Some 26 people were injured in the fire, reported GGRAsia.
Bureau of Fire Protection officials said it was unclear where the fire started at the Waterfront Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino in the city’s Ermita district. Johnny Yu, the head of the Manila Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office, told the Associated Press the property’s sprinkler system was not operating at the time of the fire.
More than 300 hotel guests and employees were evacuated, some by helicopter, reported ABC News. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made an aerial inspection of the blaze as he flew back from a speech at the Philippine Military Academy.
The 22-story hotel and casino complex was operated by Philippines-based Waterfront Philippines Inc. under the aegis of state-run regulator and operator, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., under the Casino Filipino brand. The dead were all PAGCOR employees.
The security guards and a treasury officer reportedly died of smoke inhalation. The others were taken to the hospital for treatment, said Yu.
Last August Waterfront Philippines said it was planning a PHP350 million (US$6.74 million) renovation at the property.
This is the second fire to hit a casino in Manila in less than 10 months. Last June, an armed attacker set a fire on the gaming floor at Resorts World Manila, claiming the lives of 37 people. The attacker, reportedly a disgruntled gambler, later committed suicide in a hotel room at the property.
