A grieving family in Brgy. 9, Bacolod City, rescued the remains of their deceased relative after a fire broke out Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 9, leaving 41 individuals homeless.
The fire destroyed five houses and damaged two at Burgos-Locsin Streets in Purok Calacuchi, including the home of the Saratobias family, who were in the middle of a wake for their younger brother.
Ma. Fria Saratobias, one of those affected, said the fire erupted so quickly that their family had no time to save anything except the casket of their deceased sibling.
The relatives immediately carried the casket to the road, fearing it would be consumed by the flames.
The family lost all their belongings and have created a makeshift tent outside their burned home so they can continue the wake.
Initial reports said the fire started on the second floor of the adjacent house owned by Roberto Maligdong.
The blaze spread rapidly through the row of residential structures.
The Bacolod City Fire Station recorded 41 individuals displaced from 20 families. No casualties or injuries were reported.ported.
Fire officers are still investigating the cause of the blaze.*