MANILA, Philippines — In a tragic incident, eight people lost their lives in a fire that swept through a three-story residential building in the Philippine capital region.
The blaze, which officials noted occurred after midnight, quickly engulfed the wooden structure while residents were asleep in the San Isidro Galas village of suburban Quezon City.
Authorities reported that at least one individual sustained injuries as a result of the catastrophic event. The fire’s cause is currently unknown, and an investigation has been launched to uncover its origins.
According to senior fire officer Rolando Valeña, witness accounts revealed that two victims were discovered on the ground floor, while six others were located on the second floor, believed to be the starting point of the fire.
This regrettable event occurred just days before the Philippines commemorates its fire-prevention month in March, a time when the government spearheads a campaign to enhance public awareness of fire risks, with the impending summer season amplifying these dangers.
Fatal fires in the Philippines are often attributed to the lax enforcement of safety protocols, issues of overcrowding, and flawed building designs.
Reflecting on history, a 1996 disco fire in the same city claimed 162 lives, primarily students celebrating the school year’s conclusion. Tragically, their escape was hindered by a blocked emergency exit due to adjacent construction.