CALOOCAN CITY, Philippines – A devastating fire early Sunday morning turned a bustling neighborhood in Barangay 118 into a scene of heartbreak, leaving over 50 families homeless and tragically claiming the life of a 38-year-old man with a disability.
The fire erupted just after 2 a.m., starting on the second floor of a three-story residential building, according to Fire Senior Inspector Elyzer Ruben Leal of the Caloocan Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). The densely packed neighborhood made the fire’s rapid spread almost inevitable.
Narrow Pathways and Close-Knit Homes
“The pathways here are very narrow, and the houses are built close together,” explained Inspector Leal in a report on GMA’s 24 Oras Weekend. The fire destroyed at least 20 residential homes in the area, leaving families scrambling to save whatever belongings they could.
A Heroic but Heartbreaking Loss
Among the casualties was a 38-year-old man who had a hearing impairment. Witnesses say he initially managed to leave his home safely but went back inside for reasons unknown. Tragically, he became trapped and could not escape the flames.
“As per the witnesses, he returned inside, which is why he was trapped. They also mentioned he had trouble hearing,” Leal said.
Families Left with Nothing
For the over 50 families displaced by the fire, the coming New Year now feels uncertain. With their homes reduced to ash, they face the challenge of starting over from scratch.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire while offering support to the affected residents.
A Community in Mourning
As the city rallies to provide aid to the victims, this tragedy serves as a solemn reminder of the importance of fire safety, especially in densely populated areas.
Let’s keep these families in our thoughts during this difficult time and hope for better days ahead.
