Faulty Christmas lights start fire in Wack-Wack

MANILA, Philippines – A 64-year-old housewife and her daughter were killed when they were trapped in a fire caused by faulty Christmas lights at the Wack-Wack subdivision in Mandaluyong City Saturday night.

Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, Mandaluyong City police chief said firefighters discovered the burned bodies of Concepcion Goho, and her daughter, Kristina, 30, at the second floor of their house on Buffalo street.

De Sagun dispatched investigators SPO2 Pablo Roxas and PO3 Joemer Puzon to the crime scene after the local police tactical operations center received the fire report at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday.

It was Goho’s husband, Rockwell, who discovered the fire emanating from the main door where several Christmas lights were installed. Thick smoke quickly enveloped the house prompting Rockwell to shout for help.

Arson investigators said the defective wiring of the Christmas lights triggered the fire.

There were several fire extinguishers inside the house but the thick smoke prevented Rockwell from locating them, firefighters said.

Housemaids Lea Tejero, Melcris Palmero, and Elisa Bayle were watching television in the kitchen at around 9 p.m. when Rockwell rushed in to ask their help in putting the fire out. But because of the thick smoke, the housemaids ran out of the house through the back door. 

De Sagun said the two victims were last seen in the library at the second floor of the house prior to the fire.

Initial investigation of the city’s fire marshall showed that the fire was triggered by faulty electrical wiring from the Christmas decor at the main door and the living room of the Goho residence.

The house was razed to the ground and fire probers pegged the damage to property at P3 million. Responding firemen prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent houses.