Disabled man killed in blaze

MANILA, Philippines—A fire that lasted for only 15 minutes trapped and killed a handicapped man in his shack which stood on a sidewalk in Malabon City on Monday morning.

Firemen who put out the blaze later found the charred remains of 57-year-old Danilo Pineda Caguieto inside what remained of his house on J. Bautista Street in Barangay Potrero, said SFO3 Albino Torres, the city’s chief arson investigator.

According to the victim’s neighbors, Caguito was confined to a wheelchair as both of his legs had been amputated. They added that he relied on alms and the food given to him by passersby.

At 3:21 a.m. on Monday, a fire broke out in his house which was made of pieces of cardboard, tarpaulin and wood planks.

Firefighters were able to put out the blaze 15 minutes later and no fire alarm was raised. Arson investigators suspected that the fire may have started from a lighted kerosene lamp which could have fallen over.