Fire strikes Prince David condo near Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines — Fire broke out from Prince David condominium across Ateneo de Manila University along Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City on Friday afternoon.

A fleet of at least 15 fire trucks arrived at the scene around 12:30 p.m. and started to clear the 25-storey building.

Video by Manoy420 on YouTube

Something just exploded on top of the Prince David Condominium, Katipunan. pic.twitter.com/XmSF1LTVDj

— Rex Intal (@rexintal) October 10, 2014

At least seven have so far been reported hospitalized due to suffocation.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority reported on its Twitter account that the area was placed under a second alarm as of 1 p.m.

FIRE ALERT: as of 12:58 pm, now on 2nd alarm at Prince David Condo front of Ateneo, Fire Trucks now on area. #mmda

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) October 10, 2014

Quezon City Fire Superintendent Jesus Fernandez said in radio reports, however, that the situation is "under control" and residents have been vacating the building mainly occupied by university students.

The Guidon, Ateneo's official student publication, reported that fire originated from the basement of the property and smoked filled the building.

Firefighters are now clearing Prince David Condominium. Fire broke out in the basement and smoke filled the building at around 12:30 PM.

— The GUIDON (@TheGUIDON) October 10, 2014

"Prince David," meanwhile, trended on Twitter as netizens express shock at the incident and warned their friends not to approach the area. - Camille Diola