ORMOC CITY — A parked Toyota Deluxe Van was damaged by fire in Barangay 90, Payapay, San Jose in Tacloban City on Tuesday morning, January 6, with investigators pointing to an overheated power bank as the possible cause.
The fire broke out at around 9:46 a.m. and involved a white Toyota Deluxe Van registered to alias “Neta” and driven by alias “Naldo,” a resident of Barangay 110, Utap, Tacloban City.
Personnel from Police Station 2 of the Tacloban City Police Office immediately responded to the incident. By the time authorities arrived, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) had already brought the fire under control, which was declared out at around 9:50 a.m.
Based on the driver’s account, the van had been parked along the roadside near a coconut (“buko”) stall while he was taking a short rest. Moments later, the vehicle suddenly caught fire, prompting him to seek help from nearby residents to prevent the flames from spreading.
The driver sustained minor injuries during the incident and was given first aid by medics from the Tacloban City Rescue Unit (TACRU).
Further investigation by BFP fire investigators revealed that the blaze may have been caused by a power bank left unattended inside the vehicle, which reportedly overheated.
Authorities estimated the damage to the van at around P100,000.
Police reminded motorists to avoid leaving electronic devices inside vehicles, especially during daytime, as extreme heat can trigger fires.
(ROBERT DEJON)
