2 killed, 4 injured as fire hits residential area in Sta. Cruz, Manila

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) -- Two people were killed while at least four were injured after a fire broke out in a residential area in Sta. Cruz, Manila early Sunday morning.

The Manila Fire District reported that the fire occurred at around 2:49 a.m. along Oroquieta Street, destroying houses, commercial establishments, and a five-story residential structure built with light materials.

Authorities have yet to identify the two fatalities.

A 26-year-old man sustained multiple second degree burn, while a 61-year-old woman had a possible right hip fracture. Two others suffered minor injuries.

Around 2,500 residents were displaced by the fire, which hit 400 houses and establishments. Of the number, around 300 were totally gutted.

The estimated cost of damage was pegged at ₱1.5 million.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire but it allegedly started at the 4th floor of the five-story building.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) raised the fifth alarm at 3:49 a.m. as the fire quickly spread. It was placed under control at 6:43 a.m.

It took authorities nearly six more hours, or by 12 p.m. to declare a fire out.

A combined force of 72 fire trucks responded to the blaze, while eight ambulances came to the scene.

The fire also affected the power supply of LRT-2 Recto Station, prompting the Light Rail Transit Authority to implement provisionary service at the train line.

The LRTA said it implemented limited operations from Antipolo to V. Mapa stations and back from 5:00 a.m. until 10:56 a.m. It then extended the trips to Legarda station.

Train officials said operations have normalized by 1:15 p.m., but the burned connecting bridge from Recto Station to the LRT-1 Doroteo Jose Station remained impassable.