Malabon blaze leaves 1 dead

A 50-year-old pedicab driver died after he was trapped in a fire that razed his house yesterday in Malabon City.

Victim Noel Baldos, of Katipunan street, Bayan-Bayanan, Malabon City, was found burned beyond recognition.

Initial reports from the Malabon City Bureau of Fire Protection said the fire broke out at around 12:21 p.m. and quickly spread to adjoining houses.

Baldos allegedly failed to get out of the house when he was overcome by smoke and toxic fumes.

Plaridel, brother of the victim, told arson probers, he left the victim cooking lunch when the gas allegedly exploded. The fire was contained at around 2 p.m., authorities said. — Jerry Botial