ILOILO City – A 75-year-old woman was killed after she was trapped inside her burning home in Barangay Oñate de Leon, Mandurriao district on Saturday morning, August 2.
The victim, identified as Teresita Senon Panelo, was found lifeless on the second floor of her residence, which was completely gutted by the blaze.
Responding firefighters discovered that a plastic cabinet had collapsed on her, pinning her down. Only her feet were visible when responders arrived.
According to Fire Officer 2 Earl Anthony Darroca, arson investigator of the Iloilo City Fire Station, Panelo had already exited the burning structure but went back inside, possibly to retrieve something important. She never made it out again.
The fire was reported at 8:57 a.m. and a “fire out” was declared by 9:28 a.m. Eight fire trucks responded to the blaze, which affected two residential structures — one totally damaged and one partially damaged – and two families composed of five individuals.
The fire originated on the ground floor of Panelo’s home, authorities said.
Initial investigation points to an unattended candle as the possible cause of the fire. Relatives said Panelo had lit a candle that morning in remembrance of her husband, who was buried on July 5.
Meanwhile, three other individuals sustained injuries: Ryan S. Panelo, 49, suffered first-degree burns on the right occipital area of his head; Concheta Senon, 65, sustained second-degree burns on her nape, left arm, and frontal head area; and Gabriel S. Panelo, 12, suffered first-degree burns on his right shoulder and leg.
The Iloilo City Fire Station said the fire destroyed an estimated 24 square meters of property, with damages pegged at around P288,000./PN
