By Jennifer P. Rendon
An elderly woman died in a fire that engulfed a densely populated area in Barangay Rizal, Lapuz Sur, Iloilo City, on January 7.
The victim, identified as 68-year-old Susan Aytuna, was a person with a disability and bedridden, making it impossible for her to escape.
The blaze, reported at 1:04 p.m., destroyed 17 houses, with 16 completely razed and one partially damaged, according to initial reports.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Iloilo City declared the fire under control at 1:34 p.m. and fully extinguished by 1:47 p.m.
The incident reached the third alarm, prompting an extensive firefighting response.
The BFP has yet to release its official investigation report, but initial information suggests the fire started at the home of a resident identified as Andre.
Authorities suspect faulty electrical wiring as the possible cause of the blaze.
The investigation is ongoing.
