Navotas fire kills 5 people

Five people, including four students, died after a fire broke out in a residential area in Barangay San Roque, Navotas City, on Saturday morning.

According to an initial report from the Navotas City Public Information Office, the victims were identified as Ruthie, 11; Kyla, 12; Daniella, 13; Lorraine, 17; and Sarah Constantino, 41.

Navotas City Fire Marshal FSupt. Ronald Sanchez said the fire started at around 7:14 a.m. and was declared out by 7:53 a.m.

Sanchez noted that they initially had no information about residents being inside the burning home.

“Fifteen minutes into the fire, it was only mentioned that there were people inside the house,” Sanchez said.

Firefighters later found the bodies of the victims inside.

“It’s as if they were just sleeping — there were no signs of burns or injuries,” Sanchez added.

The victims were immediately brought to Navotas City Hall, where they were declared dead on arrival.

The Navotas City Fire Station estimated the damage caused by the fire at P80,000.

In a Facebook post, Navotas City Vice Mayor Tito Sanchez said initial investigations revealed the fire was caused by an electric fan.

Navotas City public information officer Irish Cubillan said the city government will provide free burial assistance to the victims.