A major fire that broke out around noon on Thursday in Bacoor, Cavite, has claimed one life and left eight people injured, according to RH Jecelle Ricafort's report.
The blaze reportedly affected several areas, including Sitio Kanluran, Brgy. Talaba II, and Sitio Tabon.
According to local authorities, more than 1,000 residential houses were destroyed, displacing over 3,000 residents. The fire, which started at approximately 12 p.m., quickly spread through the communities, fueled by high winds and dense smoke.
A video captured by Ricafort shows thick smoke rising and visible from the CAVITEX area. The footage also depicts a series of explosions coming from the burning homes in Zapote 3, Bacoor, with authorities suspecting that gas tanks may have contributed to the explosions.
UPDATE: May mga maririnig pa rin na pagsabog mula sa mga nasusunog na bahay sa Zapote 3, Bacoor, Cavite | RH 15 @JecelleRicafort, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/nGrH0p3Aeb
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 10, 2024
In a distressing scene, two siblings were seen crying as they revealed that their parents and grandmother were left behind in their burning home in Zapote 3.
WATCH: Nag-iiyakan ang magkapatid na ito dahil naiwan umano sa nasusunog nilang bahay ang kanilang magulang at lola sa Zapote 3, Bacoor, Cavite. | RH 15 @JecelleRicafort, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/8vH1f7GePr
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 10, 2024
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the alarm to the third level before managing to control the blaze shortly after 2 p.m.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, with initial reports pointing to a possible domestic dispute as a potential factor.
The identity of the deceased remains unknown, but one confirmed fatality is a man whose body was found among the ruins in Sitio Kanluran.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and providing assistance to those affected by the fire as the community begins the recovery and rebuilding process.
