Helper killed, cook hurt in Malabon eatery fire

MANILA, Philippines – A helper died and a cook suffered severe burns on his face and both arms in a 30-minute fire that broke out at a canteen in Malabon City Thursday afternoon.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Bernard Cruz, arson investigator, said cook Antonio Austria was preparing food at around 5 p.m. when a frying pan filled with cooking oil caught fire, which caused the kerosene stove to explode.

The fire spread through the eatery and engulfed the room of Den-den Frias, 18, the canteen’s stay-in helper.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. They later discovered Frias’ partially burned body lying face down under her double-deck bed.

Police Officer 2 Rommel Habig, Malabon City police investigator, said the eatery is owned by Daniel Cruz, 53, while the building that housed his canteen is owned by Ernesto Ignacio.