Two people were dead and 5 others were hurt after a fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon, May 14, in a residential area in Barangay 81, Caloocan City.
According to the Caloocan Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), a 16-year-old victim, who had been reported missing during the height of the blaze, was later found dead inside their burning residence.
Rose Anne Cabunyang, a family member of the victim, recalled that she was heard screaming for help, but their neighbors were unable to reach her due to the narrow alleys in the area, which hindered evacuation and rescue efforts.
The fire also claimed the life of a 62-year-old tenant who had recently undergone head surgery and was unable to escape the burning structure, according to the report of Edwin Duque in MBC TV Network News.
Five others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The fire, which started in a rental apartment, quickly spread to neighboring houses and partially damaged a nearby commercial building before it was put under control.
BFP reported that approximately 100 individuals were displaced after the fire destroyed around 15 homes.
According to the report, the fire was difficult to contain due to the extremely narrow pathways leading into the area, and in some instances, residents hindered firefighting efforts by grabbing hoses in panic.
Authorities also discovered that many of the residents had illegal electricity connections or "jumper" lines linked to Meralco posts, raising concerns about possible electrical causes of the fire.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cabunyang made an emotional appeal to Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan, asking for help with relocation and basic needs for the affected families.
“Humihingi po kami ng tulong ngayon sana matulungan niyo kami sa relocation, basic needs,” she called for help.
Investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact origin of the fire, assess the extent of the damage and to identify those who may be held responsible.
