Sunday, March 20, 2016

The Ozone Disco Fire - 20 years ago...

File Photo: AFP

March 18, 1996. I was five years old at that time but I never forget one of the worst tragedies ever happened in the history of the Philippines, perhaps this is one of the main reasons fire-related tragedies are on all-time high every March due to the hot weather the Philippines has faced, apart from the El Nino of course.

It was late night at the Ozone Disco Club in Quezon City until a fire broke out and killed 162 people inside, most of them are students who are enjoying their end of school year with a half-price discount.

One of the key reasons about the incident that occurred 20 years ago are the lack of fire exit, swing-in doors that swing at the wrong direction, and the overcapacity of guests. These key reasons triggered what is known to be one of the worst club fire in the Philippines and the seventh worst in the world, according to the National Fire Protection Association. 

The tragedy happened 20 years ago will serve as a life-long lesson for establishments to comply with health and safety regulations. As for the survivors, the pain they felt 20 years ago are still lurking through their hearts but they are doing their best to move on from the disaster they've faced and onto their road to recovery by any means necessary.

Further Reading: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issues/disasters/knowledge-base/87521-1996-ozone-disco-club-fire

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