Chinese trader dies in Paco fire

A Filipino-Chinese businessman died after a fire of still unknown origin struck a four-story apartment building in Paco, Manila early yesterday.

Arson investigators identified the fatality as Henry Go-Kiat, 55, owner of the two-story apartment located at 1617 Santiago st.

Initial investigation showed that Kiat was sleeping with his family at the second floor of the apartment building when the fire struck at about 2:14 a.m.

Reports said Kiat and his family were rescued by firefighters but he died on the way to the Manila Doctors Hospital.

According to the Manila Fire Department, the fire reached fifth alarm before it was extinguished by responding firefighters at 5:06 a.m. The fire also spread to nearby establishments before it was put-off, the fire department said.

Arson investigators are still probing the cause of the blaze that destroyed at least P1 million worth of properties. — Mike Frialde