2 injured as fire hits QC slum area

Two persons were hurt in a fire that razed a slum area in Quezon City on Tuesday morning, leaving over 200 families homeless.

Fire investigators were looking at the possibility that the blaze which razed Sitio Militar in Barangay Bahay Toro may have been caused by an illegal power connection.

SFO1 Fortunato Alde identified those injured as Kenneth Ross, 23; and Jeremy Baltan, 30. Both suffered cuts while helping residents save their belongings.

The fire began at 9:25 a.m. on Tuesday and destroyed around 100 homes. Firefighters were able to put out the blaze at 11:15 am.

It reportedly started in the house of construction worker Abdul Estrera, 42, which was empty at that time.

Witnesses said they saw sparks coming from electrical wires near the roof of the house, followed by flames.

Alde said P2 million worth of property was destroyed while over 200 families who lost their houses were temporarily staying in a nearby barangay hall. Julie M. Aurelio