Teenager killed in Sta. Mesa fire

A 17-year-old boy was killed while six others were injured in a fire that struck a three-door apartment in Sta. Mesa, Manila early yesterday morning.

The Manila Fire Department identified the fatality as Randy Bongales who succumbed to smoke inhalation. Injured were Violanda Rio, 50; Juanito dela Cruz, 45; Monica Tolda, 35; Noel Bongales, 45; Ryan Bongales, 19; and RJ Bongales, 8.

All the victims were residents of 3314 Corregidor corner First Street in Bacood, Sta. Mesa.

Investigators said the victims sustained burns in different parts of the body after being hit by debris while trying to escape from the burning apartment. Fire Officer 3 Oscar Ropero said the blaze started at around 3:10 a.m.

Investigators said Randy was trapped inside his room. Responding firefighters extinguished the blaze at around 4:10 a.m.

Damage to property was placed at P2 million. Arson investigators are still determining the cause of the fire.

Earlier last Monday, two women were hurt during a fire that struck a two-story apartment in Sta. Ana, Manila.

Reports identified them as Marilou Laurel and Lourdes Ferrer. Damage caused by the fire was placed by arson investigators of the Manila Fire Department at around P300,000.

According to reports, the fire broke out at about 9:45 p.m. at the second floor of the seven-door apartment owned by a certain Tagumpay Torres at 3120-E F. Roxas St., Sta. Ana. The fire quickly spread and reached the third alarm.

Victims Laurel and Ferrer, who occupied a unit in the apartment row, sustained second degree burns in various parts of the body. The fire was extinguished by responding firefighters at 10:28 p.m.

Reports said the victims were trying to get out of the burning apartment when debris fell on them. Investigators said the fire could have been triggered by faulty electrical wiring.

March is traditionally observed as "Fire Prevention Month." It is during this month that firefighters are on alert for the numerous fires expected to be triggered by the summer heat. – Mike Frialde