2 minors dead in Sta. Mesa fire; 100 families displaced
Published May 20, 2025 08:21 am
At A Glance
- The family of the missing minors declined to give interviews, but according to neighbors, the children were last seen inside their house and were possibly trapped when the fire rapidly spread.
Courtesy of Polytechnic University Campus Journalist
The two minors who were reported missing during a fire in Sta. Mesa, Manila have been confirmed dead, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Tuesday, May 20.
The victims were cousins, according to officials.
The family of the missing minors declined to give interviews, but according to neighbors, the children were last seen inside their house and were possibly trapped when the fire rapidly spread.
The BFP-Manila said the fire broke out at 3:42 p.m. along Road 12 Phase 1, Barangay 628, Sta. Mesa.
The blaze quickly escalated to a fourth alarm due to the closely packed homes made of light materials. It was declared fire out by 6:50 p.m.
Initial reports indicate that more than 30 houses were completely gutted, displacing 100 families.
Among those displaced was Rehein Charisse, a resident who lost her home in the fire.
She is appealing to the public for clothing donations, financial support, and other necessities to help her and others get recover.
Local authorities from the Manila Department of Social Welfare (DSW), relief agencies, and volunteers have begun coordinating temporary shelters and assistance for those affected.
Firefighters also confirmed that two buildings of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) sustained partial damage.
They said some walls had to be forcibly breached to access homes deep within the residential block.
As of this report, the investigators continue to determine the cause of the blaze.