QC govt begins probe on fatal collapse of warehouse wall

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government on Tuesday dispatched its structural engineers to assess the cause of the collapse of one of the walls of a warehouse which killed two persons.

City administrator Aldrin Cuna said the head of the Department of Building Official (DBO) has started  its investigation into the incident in Brgy. Masabong, Quezon City last Monday.

"The DBO chief has informed me that he has already sent structural engineers (to the site) to assess the cause of the collapse," Cuna told reporters.

He said the structural engineers would determine if the contractor of the establishment has complied with the construction plan approved by the DBO.

Cuna added that the owner of the building is obliged to pay for the funeral services for the two victims of the collapse.

Initial reports showed that one of the walls of warehouse owned by  L.G. Atkinson on Malasimbo Street, Brgy. Masambong around 8:30 p.m. collapsed, burying six passenger jeepneys parked in the area.

Rescuers retrieved from the rubble the bodies of  Norma Magada,44; and Robin Leuterio, 22, jeepney driver.

Reports said that the building has been undergoing renovation when the accident happened.