Impounded truck ‘mysteriously’ catches fire

CEBU, Philippines - An impounded mini-dump truck mysteriously went up on fire Sunday morning allegedly after Talisay City Mayor Johnny V. De los Reyes shove away a group of children playing in the vehicle.

Police and fire investigators were baffled at the cause of the blaze that has destroyed the dump truck’s cowl, windshield and one of its front wheels.

The truck bearing plate number JEX 607 and is owned by Mariel Nebria, of Lagtang, Talisay City, was impounded by the police after it was caught hauling sand and gravel without permit.

Talisay City Fire Marshal Randy Mendaros said they received the fire alarm past 10 a.m. Sunday.

Mendaros said a group of children was allegedly playing in the vehicle before the fire broke out. The children were reportedly shoved away by De los Reyes.

Few minutes after De los Reyes left the place, the truck was already on fire. It was not immediately known why De los Reyes was at the impounding area on a Sunday.

The police also refused to confirm the presence of De los Reyes but said there were “personalities involved.” 

 Mendaros said it was possible that the children may have left a lighted cigarette at the passenger seat, which was severely damaged.

Arson investigators are still conducting investigation to determine the origin of the fire. The damage was pegged at P40,000.

SPO1 Antonio Albite, investigator of the Talisay City Police Station, said they are also gathering evidence to help solve the mystery. A witness was supposed to issue a statement yesterday but did not come to the station. — /FPL  (FREEMAN)