Woman, son killed in Malate fire

MANILA, Philippines - A 90-year-old woman and her son died in a three-hour fire that struck a residential area in Malate, Manila at past midnight yesterday.

Rosario Garcia and son Rodolfo Castro, 60, were trapped in their home in Barangay 745.

The fire started in the victims’ house just before 1 a.m. as authorities believe Castro fell asleep while smoking cigarettes. Firefighters had a difficult time penetrating the residential area because of its narrow alleys.

Authorities believe Garcia was about to exit the house when she passed out. Her body was found near the door while Castro was found in the bathroom of their two-story house.

Both victims had eyesight problems, according to the report of Senior Fire Officer 3 John Joseph Jalique, making it difficult for them to get out of the house.  

“The woman could no longer see because she was 90 years old. Her son was visually impaired,” Fire Officer 2 Lords Hernandez told The STAR.

The fire destroyed about 50 other houses and reached fifth alarm before it was put out at past 4 a.m. The property damage was estimated to be at P3 million.

Two other residents sustained minor injuries, including barangay chairman Roger Castañeda, 46.

More than 100 families left homeless by the fire were temporarily housed at a nearby chapel.