A man suspected of starting a fire that left 25 families homeless in Sampaloc, Manila, early Sunday was severely wounded in the blaze.

The fire, which reportedly began when a mattress was set alight, erupted at about 4:25 a.m. on Basilio Street, corner Florentino Street.

Initial reports from the Manila Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) revealed that the fire quickly escalated to a second alarm before being declared out at 6:35 a.m.

Investigators have not yet identified the male suspect, who is accused of igniting a mattress belonging to Arvil Tan.

Tan’s home was among those gutted by the fire.

According to Tan, he witnessed the suspect setting the mattress ablaze. As the fire grew, the suspect reportedly ran outside, injured, and collapsed. Neighbors then transported him to a hospital.

Many residents, including students, lost all their belongings, including school uniforms for Monday’s classes.

The BFP estimates the fire caused approximately P300,000 in damages. Arson investigators are currently exploring the possibility that the fire was intentionally set.