SANTA ROSA CITY, Laguna – Five members of a family were injured in a fire sparked by an e-bike in Barangay Kaunlaran here on Friday, October 11.
The Bureau of Fire Protection identified the victims as Shirley de Jesus Rodriguez, 65; Joseph Naya Rodriguez, 29; Angelo, 13, Jomart 12, and Archie, 11.
Arson investigators said that Roby Montenegro, 24, charged and left his e-bike in front of his house at around 11:30 p.m.
A few minutes later, Montenegro discovered the e-bike on fire and the flames and smoke had spread throughout the house. He called out and guided his family to safety.
His neighbor, Shirley, was awakened and called his son and nephews to get out of the house.
The Rodriguezs sustained injuries and were taken to a hospital.
The fire also spread to houses owned by Orlando Villandrez Alojado, 61, and Misael Lungay Requierme, 57, and destroyed three vehicles. Roby’s e-bike was also totally destroyed.
The local BFP declared fire out at around 2:30 a.m.
Roby and his family were unharmed.