(Updated as of 12:05 a.m.)
CONTRARY TO a preliminary report from one of the inspectors, no fire erupted at the third floor of the Tan Yan Kee building since the explosion was only “isolated” in the circuit breaker, UST Facilities Management Office Director Fr. Dexter Austria, O.P. said.
An aircon technician, who was present during the inspection of the incident, previously told The Flame that a fire ensued from a short circuit in the electrical room of Tan Yan Kee on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
“[I]t did not [cause a fire]. It was isolated in the circuit breaker. There was no damage done to other facilities,” Austria told The Flame.
The FMO director said the short circuit only caused minor damage to the wire, resulting in a power outage that lasted for less than an hour.
“It was a loose connection that caused a short circuit. The cable was already replaced and functioning properly. Everything is back to normal now,” he added.
The students and staff members inside the building were evacuated shortly after the power loss took place at around 2:20 p.m. The smell of smoke also reached the lobby of Tan Yan Kee, according to some students who were in the area.
As of 3:05 p.m., electricity in the building was restored. Students and personnel were then escorted back to the building.
Tan Yan Kee houses several University administrative offices, including the Office for Admissions and Office for Student Affairs. F
(Editor’s note: This story has been updated after UST Facilities Management Office Director Fr. Dexter Austria told The Flame that no fire erupted at the Tan Yan Kee building.)
