A fire in Barangay 123, Tondo, Manila, left nine residents injured, including an infant and two senior citizens, on Monday afternoon, January 6.
The fire, which broke out on the third floor of a four-story building, caused burns and smoke inhalation among the victims.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the following residents were injured:
- Emma Sanita, 39 years old, sustained a minor burn on her forehead and right thumb.
- Mary Grace Martinez, 48 years old, suffered minor burns on her left arm and leg.
- A 9-month-old boy was burned on the front and right forehead as well as the left upper back.
- Aida Daaco, 79 years old, incurred a minor burn on her right shoulder.
- Jennifer Base, 34 years old, experienced a minor burn on her right foot.
- Michael Base, 40 years old, had a minor burn on his left leg and the back portion of his neck.
- Conrado Base Sr., 73 years old, suffered second-degree burns on his left arm.
- Mel Magno, 35 years old, was burned on different parts of her body, ranging from first to second-degree burns.
- A 3 year-old girl is being treated for difficulty in breathing caused by smoke inhalation.
Fire authorities raised the blaze to the second alarm just a few minutes after the fire started, at 2:16 p.m.
The fire was finally extinguished at 3:14 p.m., after nearly an hour of firefighting efforts.
The damage to the building was estimated at approximately P250,000.
A total of 45 families, or around 130 individuals, were affected by the fire.
Many of them lost their homes and personal belongings, and are now in need of assistance and support.
Meanwhile, local government authorities are working to provide relief to the displaced families and assist those injured.
BFP said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.