Six people, including two children, died when they were trapped inside their burning house Marikina City early yesterday morning.
Fire chief Edwin Vargas identified the victims as Gabriela Gatchalian, 81; her children Bryan and Justine; the latter’s husband Allan Alvarado and their children Samantha, 1, and Savanna, 4.
Based on report, the fire engulfed the house rented by the Gatchalian-San Juan and Alvarado families on E. De la Paz Street in Barangay San Roque, Marikina City, at about 2:30 a.m.
Flames quickly spread throughout the house due to the presence of combustible materials inside, according to investigators.
Probers learned that an electric fan on the second floor of the house triggered the fire.
Police reported that Savanna’s almost charred body was found on the staircase, while the elderly Gatchalian’s body was seen on the first floor.
The bodies of Justine and Allan were found in the bathroom on the second floor, while those of Bryan and Samantha were retrieved from the other part of the floor.
Firemen declared the fire out at 3:09 a.m.
Estimated cost of damage to property was placed at P50,000. (MADELYNNE DOMINGUEZ)