2 workers hurt in Rockwell fire

MANILA, Philippines - Two construction workers were hurt in a fire that struck the Rockwell Center in Barangay Poblacion, Makati City yesterday afternoon.

The workers – identified only by their surnames, De Guia and Melsosyan – were taken to the Ospital ng Makati and treated for minor bruises and smoke inhalation, the city’s fire department said.

Investigators said the two were working in the basement of the Lopez Tower and Museum along Rockwell Drive when the building, still under construction, caught fire at around 2:15 p.m.

The fire, which reached the first alarm, was contained at around 3 p.m. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the fire started from the building’s third basement, where paint cans are stored.

The Makati fire department said Rockwell security guards were able to cordon off the area, allowing responding firemen to rescue the trapped  construction workers.