MANILA, Philippines — Two elderly persons were killed after a fire broke out Tuesday night at a residential area in Malabon City, rendering around 500 families homeless.
Authorities identified the casualties as Virginia Itak, 62, and a certain Lolo Erespe, 80.
Itak died of suffocation while Erespe was found inside a large water container, reports said.
The fire started past 8 p.m. in Barangay Tonsuya,Malabon after a explosion allegedly caused by an electrical short circuit in the area.
The flames quickly spread to other structures, destroying some 250 houses, reports added.
Four fire volunteers were also hurt after they were mobbed by angry residents for the slow reaction of firemen who had to cross a creek to put out the blaze.
Firefighters managed to put out the flames around 3:55 a.m. Wednesday.
Arson investigators estimated the cost of damage at P3 million.