Cook killed in Makati fastfood fire

Fire razed a two-storey commercial establishment in Makati City yesterday, leaving a 19-year-old cook dead yesterday.

Reports said Efren Valdez of Luzon Avenue, Quezon City died of suffocation after he was trapped inside a burning Tapa King fastfood outlet along J.P Rizal street near P. Burgos.

Probers have yet to determine what triggered the fire, which around 8:40 a.m. Some witnesses claimed to have heard an explosion just before the outlet caught fire.

Reports from the Makati City Fire Department said Valdez panicked and failed to get out of the establishment. He apparently hid inside a storeroom of the kitchen to protect himself.

Fire investigators are have to determine the damage to property. The fire also damaged a coffee shop located at the second floor of the establishment.