Laborer Dies in House Fire in Cadiz City

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 51-year-old laborer died after being trapped inside his burning house in Hacienda Navidad, Barangay Caduha-an, Cadiz City, Negros Occidental early Tuesday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection-Cadiz identified the victim only as “Allan.”

Authorities said they were informed of the fire past 7 a.m., though the blaze broke out around 2 a.m.

Initial investigation indicated that the fire started in the kitchen area at the back of the house and completely destroyed the structure.

As of this writing, the BFP has yet to confirm the official cause of the fire.

However, preliminary findings suggest possible negligence involving an open flame.

The victim’s energy source was either solar-powered or from an improvised lamp.

The BFP collected specimens from the scene for further examination.

According to police, a co-worker of the victim said he accompanied Allan home at around 12:30 a.m. following a drinking session in Victorias City.

The cause of death was determined to be suffocation due to smoke inhalation and full-body burns.

The fire caused an estimated PHP10,000 in damage, the BFP said.

Police initially looked into possible foul play but later ruled it out based on statements from witnesses.