An octopus electrical connection is being eyed as the possible cause of the fire that struck the Bureau of Research and Standards building of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Quezon City on Wednesday, according to the National Bureau of Investigation.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago said investigators found hazardous and improperly used extension cords as well as electrical wires at the scene.
‘The supposed octopus connection exploded,’ Santiago said, adding that faulty wiring was located inside an office socket.
Santiago, however, did not rule out arson pending the probe outcome.
He said the third floor of the Bureau of Research and Standards building sustained the heaviest damage.
Several computers and office equipment were destroyed, but the total number of affected items has yet to be determined as arson investigators have not completed processing the area.
Santiago said he deployed forensic chemists to examine debris and burned materials to check for possible traces of flammable substances.
A team from the NBI was expected to return to the site yesterday to conduct a joint electrical inspection with the Bureau of Fire Protection.
‘The investigation will determine if negligence was involved or if it was purely an accident,’ Santiago said.