Caloocan blaze kills mother, child

A 50-year-old woman and her 8-year-old daughter died, while her husband and teenage son were injured, when an early morning fire swept through a residential neighborhood in Caloocan on Monday.

According to a report submitted by Bureau of Fire Protection investigator Samuel Rentillo Jr. to Caloocan BFP Chief Fire Superintendent Jacky Ngina, the blaze originated at a residence along Velasco Street in Barangay 7 around 3:59 a.m.

Firefighters raised the first alarm shortly after arrival. A fleet of 25 fire engines, including volunteer units, responded to the scene, bringing the blaze under control by 4:46 a.m. before declaring it fully extinguished at 5:25 a.m.

First responders located the mother's body on the upper floor of the two-story structure, while the body of her daughter was recovered on the ground level.

The 49-year-old father and his 13-year-old son managed to escape the burning house. Both sustained multiple burns across their bodies and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.

The fire rapidly spread through adjacent structures primarily constructed from lightweight materials, destroying several homes and displacing 23 families.

Fire officials cited that most residents were forced to flee immediately without saving their belongings due to the rapid advancement of the flames.

Arson investigators are determining the cause of the fire and assessing total property damage.