2 dead, 100 families homeless in Taguig fire

MANILA, Philippines - Two persons died and around 100 families were left homeless when a fire struck a residential area in Barangay Maharlika Village, Taguig City Tuesday night.

Arson investigators identified the fatalities as Pakirim Kudarat, 61, and Norayda Diamla, 40.

Kudarat was declared dead on arrival at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital after suffering from a heart attack at the height of the blaze, according to the Taguig fire department.

Diamla, on the other hand, was found severely burned inside her home where she was trapped.

The fire razed some 72 houses made of light materials, leaving 100 families homeless, said Senior Inspector Vener Sevilla of the city fire department.

The affected families are temporarily staying at the Maharlika Village Trade Center.

Sevilla said the fire broke out at 9:25 p.m. and engulfed the houses along Mindanao Avenue.

The blaze reached Task Force Alpha before it was put out by firefighters at 11 p.m.

Damage to property was placed at P300,000.

Sevilla said their investigation showed that an unattended candle inside one of the houses triggered the fire.