MANILA, Philippines - Two people were killed in a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Maharlika Village in Taguig City on Tuesday night.
Taguig Fire Department identified the victims as Pakirim Kudarat and Norayda Diamla.
According to Taguig Fire, Kudarat, 61; died on arrival at the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital after suffering from a
heart attack.
Diamla, 40; meanwhile was found severely burned inside one of the houses where she was trapped.
Sr. Inspector Vener Sevilla of the Taguig Fire Department said at least 72 houses made of light materials were razed in the fire that started at 9:25 p.m.
The fire soon swept across the houses along Mindanao Avenue and reached Task Force Alpha.
At least 100 families were left homeless by the fire which was put out by firefighters at 11 p.m.
Arson investigators estimate the damage caused by the fire at P300,000.
Sevilla said initial investigation showed that the fire was caused by an unattended candle inside one of the houses.