5 die in Quezon fire

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A woman and four children died after they were trapped in a fire that destroyed six houses in Tayabas, Quezon on Saturday night.

The fatalities were identified as Joanna Maria Durante Rey, 28;  her siblings Desiree, 7, and Paul Jake, 5, and their cousins John Lloyd, 11, and Jillian Audrey, 3, both surnamed Balabis.

Joanna’s mother Aurea, 49, was taken to a hospital for treatment.

The victims were asleep when the fire broke out at around 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Lalo, according to Bureau of Fire Protection-4A chief Senior Superintendent Sergio Soriano.

The fire left eight families homeless.

Police have yet to determine the cause of the blaze, which was declared out two hours later.