Girl dies in Lapu-Lapu City fire

CEBU CITY––A 4-year-old girl died in a fire Monday morning that razed at least five houses in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

Candice Pailden was trapped inside their house, based on the investigation of the fire department.

Her mother Malou suffered second-degree burns all over her body while trying to save her three other siblings, including a 1-year-old.

Fire Officer 2 Jeffrey Gerodias said the mother was asleep when the fire started. She woke up and saw their mattress already ablaze.

In a conversation with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan, Gerodias said the mother immediately brought her children outside their home.

Candice, however, was not among those saved. The mother tried to go back but could no longer make it to the burning house.

Malou was brought to the hospital for treatment of her burns, mostly on her back, face, and feet. Her husband was at work as a tricycle driver when the fire broke.

FO2 Gerodias said children playing with match sticks may have caused the fire.

Mayor Chan promised to give the family of the deceased financial assistance, including paying for the girl’s burial.

The city government, he said, would also give medical assistance to Malou, who is recuperating in the hospital.

Social workers were assigned to take care of the three other children who survived the blaze.

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