BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A pedicab driver was killed while two others, including an Australian national, were hurt after a fire razed an apartment in Purok Maya, Barangay 16, this city, early Thursday.
The city's Bureau of Fire Protection identified the fatality as 39-year-old Michael Birial while injured were Australian national Niebel Dixon, 60, and his partner Jenny Rose Tabuga, 27.
Senior Inspector Publio Plotena, acting city fire marshal, said Birial sustained second degree burns on his upper extremities while Tabuga has suspected fracture on her right leg.
Plotena said the fire, which broke out at around 2:10 a.m., started at the southeast portion of Lucerie Apartment. The room was occupied by Michael Angelo Rubite.
He said they are still investigating the cause of the incident but it could be electrical in nature.
The fire, which lasted for an hour, left an estimated damage of P300,000. (FREEMAN)