A lawmaker issued an apology on Monday after his vintage car caught fire and caused heavy traffic buildup along EDSA, Marisol Abdurahman reported on “24 Oras”.
In a social media post, Agimat Representative Bryan Revilla said the fire razed his 1970 model vehicle while traversing the EDSA-Mandaluyong road over the weekend.
He apologized for the incident and thanked fire authorities for their immediate response.
“While this was a completely unforeseen incident, I am aware that it has caused inconveniences to my fellow road users and for that I am sorry,” said Revilla on Instagram.
“I’d like to give my utmost thanks and praise to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Mandaluyong, the PNP (Philippine National Police), MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) traffic enforcers and to the security guards of SM Light Mall in Mandaluyong who came to my aide,” he said.
“They were all very swift and efficient. I salute these public servants who came to assist without hesitation. I will be working closely with them to determine what could have caused the fire,” he added.
Revilla advised motorists to regularly check their vehicles and to remain alert when driving.
“This is a reminder to my fellow drivers and enthusiasts to regularly have cars checked for road-worthiness, be vigilant while driving and be responsible road-users,” he said.
According to the BFP, a faulty electrical connection might have caused the incident.
“Bumabaybay po sya ng EDSA and then napansin nya na parang may maitim na usok dun sa hood. So huminto sya, pag hinto nya ‘yun na umaapoy na hood na,” Mandaluyong City Fire Marshall Superintendent Nazrudyn Cablayan said.
Cablayan said mall guards attempted to put out the blaze with a fire extinguisher but it was futile.
“Kasi nga old model na rin sya. Baka marami na ring inalter o dinagdag na mga electrical components. Oversupply na ng mga electrical equipment,” he said.
“Isa pa pong tinitingnan namin dyan ang loose connection ng battery cable nya,” he added.
However, the BFP clarified the incident may happen to new vehicles too.
During such incidents, Cablayan told motorists to stop the engine and get out of their car. He also advised against using water to douse the fire and said the driver should immediately call for help.
Cablayan also reminded the public to adhere to a periodic maintenance schedule to determine the condition of their vehicles.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News
