2 dead in Quezon City fire

MANILA, Philippines — Two people died and around 200 families were left homeless after a fire razed about 100 houses in Barangay E. Rodriguez Sr. in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday night.

The bodies of Maria Luz Pilapil, 26, and Jhon Rey Vergado, 30, were found inside the toilet of their rented house.

Barangay captain Marciano Buena-Agua Jr. told The STAR that the fire started at a house along Stanford street before spreading to nearby houses, fueled by strong winds.

The fire broke out at around 5 p.m., reaching the fourth alarm at 5:21 p.m. It was placed under control at 7:17 p.m. and declared out at 9:26 p.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Firefighters said they encountered difficulty reaching the affected houses because of the narrow passageways. Their operations were also hampered by a shortage of water, prompting residents to help fetch water to replenish firetrucks.

The city government will be sending assistance to the affected families who are taking shelter at the Carlos P. Garcia Elementary School.

Arson probers have yet to determine what caused the fire.