4 hurt in bunkhouse fire in Capitol Site

CEBU, Philippines —  At least four people, including two firemen, were reportedly injured in a fire that hit a bunkhouse along Maria Christina Street, Capitol Site, Cebu City at around 10 a.m. Tuesday.

The Cebu City Fire Office (CFFO) placed the incident under control at around 10:31 a.m. and declared a fire out at 10:58 a. m.

Investigators pegged the damage at around P12 million as the fire ravaged through an 800 square meter area affecting at least three houses.  One of the houses was partially burned while two were totally destroyed.

The bunkhouse occupied by construction workers was allegedly owned by a certain Eric Tan. Investigators however said this is still subject for verification.

Reports provided by the CCFO to the media said the injured firefighters were identified as Mejone Villalimos, a Basak San Nicolas fire volunteer who sustained head injury, and SFO2 Roemo Birao who reportedly has breathing difficulty and muscle weakness.

The other injured individuals were identified as certain Susan Tan, 62, suffered a laceration on her head and Ronan Alinday who sustained right thumb laceration.

In an interview, a certain Paul Pangilinan who was living beside the house where the fire allegedly started, claimed that he first noticed a smoke broke out from a room.

“Ako may una nakabantay kay ang mga tawo nalingaw naman sa ilang gipangbuhat. Nya nidako naman ang aso, naa namay kayo sagol mao to nisyagit ko og sunog,” Pangilinan told the media.

Pangilinan alleged that the fire started when a charging phone was left unattended. He added, he heard an explosion in the middle of the fire.

He also said that a female individual has tripped from the window while carrying her sibling as they tried to escape the fire.

Fire investigator, SFO1 Riza Julve of CCFO, said they are yet to confirm this information as the investigation is still ongoing to determine the cause fire. — GMR (FREEMAN)