Part of Skyway Stage 3 collapses due to warehouse fire

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 1) — A portion of Skyway Stage 3, an infrastructure project under construction in Pandacan, Manila, collapsed Saturday as a massive fire gutted a warehouse for plastic containers nearby.

Heat melted part of the foundation of the elevated expressway, causing its collapse past noon.

San Miguel Corporation said in its initial assessment the fire affected approximately 300 meters of the Skyway Stage 3 project which was expected to be completed by March this year. It will connect the South Luzon and North Luzon expressways.

Both SMC and authorities are still assessing the amount of damage to Skyway Stage 3.

However, SMC assured reconstruction and rebulding will resume at the "soonest possible time."

Meanwhile, the fire that engulfed the warehouse of the San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corporation on Tomas Claudio Street resulted in damage worth around ₱15 million, according to estimates by fire officers.

"We continue to monitor developments and are ready to provide assistance to anyone directly affected by the incident. We also extend our full support and cooperation to authorities," said SMC in a statement.

The blaze broke out at around 10:38 a.m. It quickly reached Task Force Bravo at 11:05 a.m., prompting even more firetrucks to respond.

The fire was finally put out at 2:52 p.m., after almost four hours.

No casualties were reported.

Initial investigation showed that metal works inside the warehouse caused the fire.

"Sabi ng mga nakakita na guwardiya may nagwe-welding sa kanilang area kaya tumawag sila sa bumbero (The guards said they saw welding activities in the area so they called firefighters)," said Fire Supt. Roberto Samillano Jr., Manila Fire District. Deputy Marshal.

He added that the thick, black smoke that was seen billowing from the warehouse was caused by the burning raw materials used in making plastic pallets.

CNN Philippines' Crissy Dimatulac contributed to this report.