HistoryData
general2017

Shopping mall fire in Davao City, Philippines

December 23, 2017

A fire at NCCC mall in Davao City killed at least 39 people, most of them employees trapped on an upper floor during the Christmas season.

Quick Facts

Year
2017
Category
general

Key Facts

Date
December 23, 2017
Deaths confirmed
39 people
People rescued
783 people
Probable cause
Faulty electrical wiring from renovation malpractice
Affected floor
Third floor of NCCC mall
Structure outcome
Demolished due to safety concerns

By the Numbers

232,017
Date
39people
Deaths confirmed
783people
People rescued

Location

Map of Davao City, PhilippinesMap of Davao City, PhilippinesDavao City, Philippines

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The fire is believed to have originated from faulty electrical wiring resulting from malpractice during renovation work on the mall's third floor. The hazardous conditions created by the improper renovation created the conditions for a rapid, deadly blaze.

Event

On December 23, 2017, fire broke out at the New City Commercial Center (NCCC) shopping mall in Davao City, Philippines. At least 39 people were trapped inside, the majority being employees of market research firm Survey Sampling International. Bodies were recovered over several days, with the last victim, a security guard, found on December 27.

Consequence

The fire resulted in 39 confirmed deaths. The security guard whose remains were found on December 27 was credited with rescuing 783 people before perishing. The mall was nearly destroyed and the remaining structure was subsequently demolished due to safety concerns.

Timeline Context

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