A senior citizen was killed while her husband was injured in a fire that destroyed four houses and damaged two at Purok Maanyag 2, Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, at about 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
Killed was Rosa Magbanua, 79, while her husband, Jose Magbanua, 62, who sustained first degree burns on his back was able to escape, Fire Insp. Jemarie Tapiru, Bacolod deputy fire marshal, said on Thursday.
The fire started from the room of the house owned by Flordeliza Lazalita where a power bank exploded, Tapiru said.
The Magbanuas who were asleep did not know that there was a fire until they saw the flames and smoke next to their bedroom.
They tried to escape by climbing the fence behind their bedroom, but Jose said his wife let go and told him to save himself.
He said Rosa told him it was her time to go, Tapiru added.
Rosa's body was discovered in her room after the fire.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said her “selfless act was ensuring her husband reached safety before she tragically succumbed to the blaze”.
“The City Government of Bacolod views this loss as a profound tragedy. We extend our sincerest sympathies to the victims, especially to the bereaved family, and assure them that the city stands ready to provide necessary support during this period of grief and recovery,” Gasataya said.
The fire destroyed four houses and damaged two affecting six families with 15 members. Estimated damage was placed at P35,000, the Bureau of Fire Protection reported .
A fire also destroyed two houses and two sari-sari stores in Purok Magnolia, 16th Lacson St., Barangay 7, at 2:09 a.m. Thursday.
There were 18 individuals displaced and damage to property was P975,000, the BFP said. . The fire was triggered by an electrical ignition due to arcing from one of the sari-sari stores, Tapiru said.*
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