2 dead in Manila fire

MANILA, Philippines – Two persons were killed when a fire struck a five-story commercial and residential building in Quiapo, Manila early yesterday morning.

Fire Officer 1 Louie Ebio said the bodies of the victims were charred beyond recognition. One of the victims was a woman occupying one of the units on the third floor of the building.

Police Officer 3 Lito Lopez identified the woman as Grace Mendoza, a stay-in worker at the Red Apple Lodging Inn.

Investigators said four persons were also hurt in the fire. They were identified as Genny Lee, 38, Johnny Lee, 58, Willie Lee, 45, and Edward Chee Kok, all residents of the apartment units on the upper floors of the building.

Investigators said the fire broke out at around 5:25 a.m. at room 107 on the mezzanine of the building. An unidentified man, who checked in before midnight Tuesday, occupied the room.

Motel staff said they heard explosions in the room at around 4:30 a.m.

Damage to property was placed at P50,000.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the fire.          – With Nestor Etolle