Half-paralyzed woman believed dead in Malabon fire- report

MANILA, Philippines - A missing half-paralyzed woman was believed to have died during the fire that hit a residential area in  Malabon City Monday before dawn.

A radio report said that firefighters suspected Elizabeth Villegas, in her 40s, could have drowned after falling to a swampy area near her house along Palmario Pilapil Street, Brgy. Tonsuya.

Villegas, a former gas station supervisor, could have decided to jump away from her burning house, the report added.

Meanwhile, five other residents in the area were hurt after sustaining burns on their bodies during the blaze that started around midnight, the report said.

Firefighters suspected that the fire was caused by an unattended lit candle that started at the rented house of Marisa Legoso, the report said.

Arson investigators have yet to estimate the extent of damage caused by the fire.