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By Johanna Sampan, Reporter
Exactly 12 years ago, 162 people died and 95
were injured when a fire literally incinerated the Ozone Disco Club
in Quezon City. The incident is now known as the worst fire tragedy
in the Philippines, and the world’s worst nightclub fire since the
1977 Beverly Hills, USA Supper Club fire in 1991, according to
Wikipedia.
It was actually a tragedy waiting to happen, as
the Ozone Disco was crammed with 350 customers when it can only
accommodate only 35 people. On top of that, the club had 40
employees. Most of the patrons on the night of the tragedy were high
school and college students celebrating their graduation, or the end
of the school year.
Survivors of the fire narrated that they saw
sparks flying, which was followed by the billowing of smoke, from
inside the disc jockey’s booth. A few minutes later, fire engulfed
the whole club, causing its foundation to collapse.
Quezon City officials investigating the incident
reported that the club had a faulty fire exit with only one doorway
out. It was also discovered that the club’s guards locked the only
exit door, in effect trapping the scampering patrons inside. The
folly resulted to a grizzly tragedy. Responders to the scene later
found out piles of bodies burnt to crisp behind the only door out.
On March 16, 2001, several officers of Westwood
Entertainment, the company that runs Ozone Disco, were each given
four-year prison terms plus a P25 million fine each by a Quezon City
trial court for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide
and multiple serious injuries.
The officers were Hermilo Ocampo, president, and
Ramon Ng, the corporation’s treasurer. In November of the same
year, 12 officials of the Quezon City Government were criminally
charged before the Sandiganbayan for the same case. They were
accused of allowing the Ozone Disco to secure a permit to operate
even if the club in 1995 was discovered to be without adequate
safety measures.
No new establishment has risen from where the
Ozone Disco once stood.
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