Two kids die in San Andres fire

A 20-minute fire in San Andres, Manila, early yesterday morning claimed the lives of two young children.

The victims were identified by Manila Fire Department arson investigators as Sebastian Valenzuela, 4; and his sister Pamela Marie, 3. The victims suffered second degree burns in various parts of the body and succumbed to smoke inhalation, investigators said. Their three-month-old brother Michael was saved.

Investigators said the fire struck the victims’ two-story wood apartment house at 1794 A. Francisco Street corner Oro-B Street, San Andres Bukid at about 3 a.m.

Initial investigation showed that the victim’s mother, Mary Jane Valenzuela, 28, was sleeping at the second floor when she rushed downstairs after hearing an explosion.

Valenzuela’s husband Rolando, 30, who was reportedly out drinking with friends, managed to return and rescue Mary Jane and Michael. Sebastian and Pamela Marie were left behind in the burning apartment.

The fire was declared under control at 3:20 a.m. Responding firemen had a difficult time getting to the site because of the narrow streets.

Damage to property was placed at P500,000. The cause of the fire is still being determined. – Mike Frialde