Fire Hits 81 Bacolod Houses, Claiming Two Lives
Bacolod City mourns after a devastating fire struck early Monday morning, destroying 81 houses and resulting in the tragic deaths of two senior citizens. The blaze broke out around 4:18 a.m. at Turquoise Street in City Heights, Barangay Taculing, sources said.
The Bacolod Fire Station identified the victims as Edison Lopez Hibionada, 80, and Emelyn Genosa Hibionada, 81. Both were residents of the affected home and sadly perished in the flames.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Edison’s charred remains were discovered atop his hospital bed, which had collapsed inside the living room. His daughter, Enger Planas, shared that her father was bedridden and suffered from dementia, making escape difficult during the fire.
Meanwhile, Emelyn’s body was found face down in the dining room, with severe burns on the lower half of her body. Planas described the scene: “It looked like she had gone to get a fire extinguisher, fell, and was pinned down by their round dining table.”
Last Moments Captured on CCTV
A neighboring resident’s CCTV footage showed Emelyn partially stepping outside the front door before retreating inside, possibly attempting to save her husband. Neighbors recalled hearing her desperate cries: “Daddy, Daddy, what should we do? God, God help us.”
Planas also noted that the couple was alone when the fire erupted, with no companions present to assist.
Extent of Damage and Ongoing Investigation
Local authorities estimated the total damage to the house at around ₱3 million. Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the fire, which reportedly originated from the use of an improvised mosquito repellant.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of unsafe fire-prone materials, especially in densely populated areas. Community leaders urge residents to exercise caution and ensure proper safety measures at home.
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