GRANDPA DIES IN FIRE CAUSED BY NEGLECTED CELLPHONE CHARGER IN MAKATI

A 75-YEAR-OLD man on Wednesday died in a fire believed triggered by a cellphone being charged and left unattended in Makati.

Police identified the victim as Arturo Opeñano.

The victim’s family told police that Opeñano had blurry vision and moved slowly that probably made him difficult to escape the raging blaze.

Firefighters said the blaze spread to the houses in Jasmin corner Champaka Streets.

Witnesses told police that they heard an explosion while the firefighters were extinguishing the fire.

Responding personnel of the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP) declared a fire out at 1:53 p.m. of the same day.

The old man’s remains were recovered from the debris during clearing operation.

According to the victim’s son, said his father was alone in the house since he was at work when the incident happened.

Authorities said three people were also injured while traying to escape the fire.

Seven families were left homeless by the blaze.