Ozone Disco fire

We were on Timog Avenue a few days ago, when I caught a glimpse of the place where the Ozone Disco used to be. The place was the site of a horrific fire on March 18, 1996 that claimed one hundred sixty-two lives and injuring a hundred others. The fire broke out just before midnight. At first, the patrons thought the smoke emanating into the stage was part of the effects of the place. As it became evident that a fire was raging, they all scampered into a narrow corridor leading to the only exit that they knew, only to find out that the door only opened inwards. Because a stampede was already happening, the door could no longer be opened. Bodies piled waist high as smoke filled the place. This was how they were found when the fire was put out. Hundreds of bodies piled up on top of each other in what is now known as the worst fire in Philippine history.

The ensuing investigation revealed that it was a tragedy just waiting to happen. And as with all tragedies, they happened at the worst of times. Aside from the door only opening inwards, it was discovered that the establishment did not have a sprinkler system in place, nor were there any clear signs leading to a fire exit. The fire extinguishers were defective, probably stale, and the only exit did not meet building code standards, being too small. But really, whose responsibility were those?

It is no secret that business owners will always try to cut corners where they can to maximize profit and have a fast return of investment. In the case of the Ozone Disco, all these infractions should have been cited by those responsible in issuing permits, approvals and licenses to operate. The fire marshals should have inspected the place, the civil engineers should have noted the small doorway. Why was it only discovered that the exit was too small after the fire?

As always, the local governments imposed stricter measures on fire exits and firefighting equipment on business establishments after the tragedy. Doors that swing both ways are now mandatory. "Fire Exit" became a household word. The aftermath of the tragedy also saw cases filed against the owners of the place, and several officials of the local government. And while some were found guilty, fined and jailed, some were absolved. That did not change the fact that one hundred sixty-two families' lives were shattered that night.

To this day, the place has not been rented out to anyone. It used to serve as a memorial where pictures of the victims were posted, along with flowers and notes. I wouldn't be surprised if the place is seen as bad luck. Some even say the place is already being haunted by the souls of the victims. It now stands as a quiet, eerie monument to a tragedy that could have well been prevented, if not for greed, carelessness and poor governance. As we enter into another Fire Prevention Month, I hope the local officials are doing their job diligently in inspecting all establishments and identifying potential fire traps, and enforcing the requirements.

Nobody wants to see a repeat of the Ozone Disco fire.