German dies in pension house fire

CEBU, Philippines — A 56-year-old German national died after a fire razed the pension house where he was staying in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City early Friday morning, May 29.

Authorities identified the fatality as Thomas Hans Schiemmer, a tenant of Maanyag Pension House located along F.B. Cabahug Street.

According to the Mandaue City Fire Station, the blaze was first noticed by the pension house’s security guard, who immediately alerted all tenants, including the German national.

The incident was reported to the Mandaue City Fire Station by a resident identified only as “Joseph” at around 4:01 a.m. Authorities raised the fire to first alarm status at 4:04 a.m.

Investigators said Schiemmer had initially managed to exit the building but reportedly returned inside despite efforts by caretakers and the security guard to stop him, allegedly to retrieve personal belongings.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) declared the fire under control at 4:52 a.m. before it was fully extinguished at 5:24 a.m.

After the fire was put out, responders found Schiemmer dead at the bottom of a staircase with multiple burn injuries on his face and body.

Authorities said the victim was trapped inside as the fire intensified and was eventually overcome by thick smoke while attempting to escape.

Initial investigation by the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) showed that the fire was caused by an electrical short circuit involving a light bulb inside the pension house’s stockroom.

Investigators noted that the stockroom contained several combustible hygiene products, including towels and tissue paper, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly throughout the establishment.

FO1 Rolando Ajero, fire arson investigator of the Mandaue City Fire Station, said the incident caused an estimated P6.696 million in property damage.

PLTCOL Mercy D. Villaro, spokesperson of the Mandaue City Police Office, said authorities are now coordinating with the German Embassy to locate and contact the victim’s relatives as the investigation continues. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU Intern/FPL (CEBU NEWS)