Kentex factory fire tragedy exposes labor malpractices

Summary

The Kentex Manufacturing Corporation fire, which took place on May 13, 2015, in Valenzuela, was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in the Philippines. The incident began during lunch break when a chemical spark ignited the fire. Workers, including Leonilo Alibangbang and Aljon, scrambled to escape, but many were trapped due to blocked exits and overwhelming smoke. The aftermath revealed horrific casualties, with some bodies barely recognizable. The fire's aftermath left families devastated, particularly the relatives of those lost, and sparked outrage over safety violations in factories.

Takeaways

• 😀 A massive fire broke out at the Kentex Manufacturing Corporation in Valenzuela City on May 13, 2015, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life.
• 😀 The fire reportedly started due to sparks from a chemical called 'Super Seal' at the factory, which is used in the production of slippers.
• 😀 Workers in the factory initially tried to control the fire using water and fire extinguishers, but it rapidly grew stronger.
• 😀 The fire quickly spread, and workers, including Leonilo Alibangbang, were forced to evacuate, with many struggling to find exits as the building filled with smoke.
• 😀 Many workers, including Aljon, experienced intense panic and were trapped inside due to blocked exits and thick smoke. The heat and chemical fumes made it impossible to breathe.
• 😀 Some workers jumped from the building to escape, with Aljon and his wife successfully leaping from the roof to safety, though his wife suffered injuries from the fall.
• 😀 There was a significant delay in rescue efforts, and it took hours for firefighters to fully extinguish the flames.
• 😀 Once the fire was put out, authorities discovered the grim scene inside, with workers' bodies severely burned and unrecognizable.
• 😀 DNA tests were conducted on the remains to identify the victims, as the bodies were too charred to be recognized visually.
• 😀 Many families, including that of Nanay Minda, suffered immense pain, as they could not immediately identify the remains of their loved ones, adding to the trauma of the tragedy.

Q & A

What was the cause of the fire at Kentex Manufacturing Corporation?

The fire at Kentex Manufacturing Corporation likely started from a spark caused by the chemical known as 'Super Seal,' which was used by the workers in the factory. The initial spark was reported to have occurred near the factory entrance.

What was the reaction of the workers when the fire started?

When the fire started, the workers initially saw smoke and attempted to fight the fire by using water and fire extinguishers. However, as the fire worsened, they panicked and began searching for exits while trying to escape.

How did the workers attempt to escape the fire?

Some workers, like Aljon, jumped to the roof of the canteen to escape the flames, while others tried to find an exit. Unfortunately, some exits were blocked or inaccessible due to the intensity of the fire.

What was the condition of the workers who died in the fire?

The workers who died in the fire were severely burned, and some were unrecognizable. The bodies were so badly burned that DNA testing was required to identify them.

How long did it take for the fire to be fully extinguished?

The fire took several hours to be fully extinguished, with authorities confirming that it was under control after about five hours.

What safety issues were highlighted by the fire at Kentex?

One of the major safety issues highlighted by the fire was the lack of proper fire exits, which made it difficult for workers to escape. Additionally, the workers were unable to access the emergency exits in time because they were either blocked or difficult to open.

How did the fire affect the workers' ability to see and breathe?

As the fire spread, the workers were exposed to thick smoke and toxic chemicals, which made it difficult for them to breathe and caused irritation to their eyes, further complicating their escape efforts.

What was the emotional impact on the family members of the victims?

The emotional toll on the families was immense. In one case, a mother named Nanay Minda struggled to identify the remains of her daughter, Rosalie, due to the extent of the burns, adding to the already overwhelming grief of losing a loved one.

Why was the fire so difficult to control?

The fire was particularly difficult to control due to the presence of flammable chemicals in the factory, which fueled the flames and caused the fire to spread rapidly. The workers' attempts to extinguish it with water and fire extinguishers were insufficient against the intensity of the blaze.

What steps are being taken to ensure workplace safety following the fire?

Following the fire, authorities and experts have called for improved safety regulations in factories, particularly in ensuring that all buildings have clear, accessible fire exits and that workers are equipped with proper safety training to respond to emergencies.