Fire hits Murphy public market

A fire, reportedly caused by exploding firecrackers, hit a public market in Quezon City the other night.

Arson investigators said the fire started at around 7:30 p.m. in one of the stalls at the Murphy Public Market located in 15th Avenue, East Road, Quezon City.

Witnesses said a loud explosion occurred at the stall where firecrackers are being sold and the blaze quickly spread to nearby stalls.

Investigators said it took them over an hour to contain the blaze. The amount of the damage is still being determined.

Authorities are now investigating the owners of the stall to determine their liability in the incident as the fire started in their stall.

Police earlier ordered tight watch against the peddling of illegal firecrackers being sold at a public market and stalls in different areas. — Pia Lee-Brago