TRAPPED— The family of Mark and Dixie Villanueva is shown in a recent family portrait before the tragedy struck. (Top photo) The family’s residence razed to the ground. (Punchphoto by Gin Quesada)

FIVE persons perished in a fire that razed their house, damaging three more on Rizal Street, Barangay Poblacion District 4 in Pozorrubio town Monday midnight, April 3.

Pozorrubio Bureau of Fire Protection’s acting Fire Marshal, Senior Fire Officer 4 Randy Fabro identified the victims as Mark Villanueva and wife Dixie, and children aged one, three, and six years old. All four members of the family were trapped inside their burning house.

Fabro said the cause of fire is due to an overcharged electric bike.

“Walang auto-off yung charging system ng electric bike”, said Fabro.

Mark initially rescued his parents Renato and Nida, 59 and 55 respectively, along with other relatives and went up the attic to rescue his family, who were sleeping.

“Nasa baba yung mga magulang at yung mga ibang kapamilya na nakaligtas”, said Fabro.

By the time Mark reached his wife and children, the attic made of light materials already caught fire, and they were all trapped.

The fire, which reached second alarm, was declared out after almost three hours.

Fabro reminded the public to unplug any gadget or equipment before sleeping, and to regularly check electrical wirings to prevent fire incidents.

Meanwhile, the local fire station drew flak, as they were allegedly slow to respond to the incident.

Fabro refuted the allegations, stating that they immediately responded as soon as a concerned citizen reported the incident to them. (Ahikam Pasion)

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