MANILA, Philippines — An elderly woman died while six others were injured when a fire engulfed the six upper floors of a 23-story condominium in Parañaque City at around noon yesterday.
The body of wheelchair-bound Zenaida Uno, 80, was charred beyond recognition when firefighters found her on the balcony of the 21st floor of the Pacific Coast Plaza in Barangay Tambo, said city fire marshall Lt. Col. Robert Pacis.
Henry Sablay, 44; Edgardo dela Cruz, 51; Ely Salabar, 31; Jerimiah Tee, 27; and a certain Chang, 33, and a certain Mr. A were treated at the scene for bruises, lacerations, chest pain and smoke inhalation, Pacis added.
The fire started at Room 2 of the 21st floor at around 11:52 a.m. and spread to the 18th and 23rd floors, Col. Rico Neil Kwan Tiu, Bureau of Fire Protection-Metro Manila director, stated in his report.
The fire reached general alarm at around 12:37 p.m. and crews of 106 firetrucks rushed to the scene. The blaze was put under control at around 2:29 p.m. and firefighters were still conducting mopping-up operations as of press time.
Probers have yet to determine what caused the fire and would check on the latest fire safety inspection certificate and other issuances given to the building’s administration, Pacis said. – Ghio Ong