Cook, caretaker die in Quezon City fire

At least two people died in a fire that destroyed a three-story building that houses apartment units and bars in Quezon City before dawn yesterday. 

Reports reaching the Quezon City Fire District identified the fatalities as Crispin Ignacio, 28, an assistant cook at a KTV bar, and Edgar Garcia, 32, a caretaker of the gutted building on Scout Borromeo Street corner Mother Ignacia in Barangay South Triangle.

Ignacio’s charred body was reportedly discovered in a restroom on the second floor of the building after firefighters put out the flames. Garcia’s remains were found on the ground floor. Both bodies were said to be beyond recognition.

There were reports that the body of another man – identified only as Mark – was reportedly found near the main entrance of the building. Arson investigators were still verifying this information. 

Fire Officer 3 Jose Arreza said five other persons suffered second-degree burns: Virgilio Macapagal, 34; Anthony Garcia, 23; Susan Talo, 40; Ronald Malacat, 28; and Floyd Philip Santos, 24.

Arreza said that based on initial investigation, the fire started at around 3:50 a.m. at the ground floor of the building, where a grill bar and other similar establishments are located.

The fire quickly affected other establishments in the building and reached fifth alarm before firefighters were able to place it under control at around 5:13 a.m.

The fire was put out at 5:25 a.m. At least six firetrucks were sent to put out the flames.

Arson investigators initially placed cost of damages at around P1 million. They were still determining the cause of the blaze.

Arreza said they were also looking into reports that some tenants at the building had a Christmas party the night before.