PBA game temporarily stopped as fire breaks out near Araneta Coliseum
MANILA, Philippines–The PBA Governors’ Cup match between Terrafirma and Blackwater was halted for several minutes on Thursday due to a fire that broke out in the vicinity of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrafirma was leading Blackwater, 37-26, when the second half had more than seven minutes left when the lights suddenly flickered, prompting federation officials to call for the game to be stopped.
No word if the power outage is related to fire at the old bus station a few blocks from the Big Dome.
A huge plume of smoke could be seen outside the venue, according to social media posts and other news accounts.
Both teams have since resumed their matches, but completing the scheduled doubles event could be a challenge for the tournament if problems get worse.
San Miguel Beer is unbeaten and Meralco is expected to go head-to-head in the match originally set for 6:45pm.
This is not the first time the PBA has dealt with a fire-related incident.
Last April, the federation suspended the tournament 3×3 . PBA Finals while postponing Game 6 of the Governor’s Cup Final between Barangay Ginebra and Meralco after a smaller fire broke out inside the Big Dome.
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