Philippines store fire kills at least 24

[one...two...tree 2,762]

AP

At least 24 people died in a fire that engulfed a one-story department store in the central Philippines on Christmas Day, police said Tuesday.

The charred remains of the 24 victims were found inside a bathroom, where they tried to escape from the blaze, said Chief Superintendent Eliseo dela Paz. At least five people were injured, two of them critically, police said.

He said the fire started from firecrackers and pyrotechnics that ignited near the entrance door of the Unitop Commercial store.

The fire swept through the store in Ormoc city, 340 miles southeast of Manila, acting provincial police director Senior Superintendent Manuel Cobillo said. Customers, vendors and store employees were among those killed.

A TV station reported the store did not have a permit to sell firecrackers, and Cobillo said emergency exits were locked.

Police were looking for the owner, he said.

[garya505 2]

After being there myself I'm not surprized. They don't seem to have any health and safety codes that are enforced.

[Hornet 2]

The first time I was in the PI was during Christmas and New Years 1991 while in the Marines. Holy cow!!!

What a crazy fun time we had.

Very sad of course when something like this happens. The USA is over-regulated and the Philippines not enough.

[LuzyC 0]

..sad.. ..my symphaty to those who lost their love ones on x'mas day..

[Pinocchio Liberal 268]

GOOO........................................GirL!

[eric&gen 0]

Why were the emergency exits locked during business hours? If they were unlocked they could have saved more lives.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Why were the emergency exits locked during business hours? If they were unlocked they could have saved more lives.

Jinky explained to me that most stores keep the emergency exits locked because of problems with theft.

Kind of defeats the purpose. Sounds like they don't have sprinkler systems either. So sad to see such a preventable tragedy.