Pasay fire kills girl

A 10-year-old girl died after a fire swept through a residential area in Barangay 127, Pasay City, late Friday night.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the blaze started around 11:07 p.m. and quickly spread due to the congested structures made of light materials. It reached the third alarm before being declared under control at 12:22 a.m. Saturday.

At least 70 families, or 357 individuals, were affected by the fire, authorities said. Damage to property was estimated at P450,000.

In a television interview, the victim’s mother said her daughter was left at home with her 13-year-old brother when the fire broke out. The boy survived after jumping from their third floor down to the ground, but his sister failed to escape.

“My son jumped onto the roof out of panic. He was looking for his sibling but couldn’t find her anymore,” the mother said.

Investigators said the fire was likely caused by faulty electrical wiring. The displaced families were brought to Juan Sumulong Elementary School for temporary shelter.