Fire hits residential area in Sta. Cruz, Manila; 1 dead, 2 hurt

One died and two were hurt after fire broke out in a residential area in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Sunday morning.

The fire, which started at around 7 a.m., affected an old two-storey apartment and some other houses at the corner of Leonor Rivera and Antipolo Streets, according to a report by Rod Vega on Super Radyo dzBB.

Thick black smoke was seen rising over the affected area.

The Bureau of Fire Protection raised the second alarm past 7 a.m.

The fire was put under control past 9:22 a.m.

The identity of the fatality was not yet revealed by authorities.

Around 80 families were affected by the fire. Affected residents will stay at the barangay center temporarily, while others will go to their relatives.

Authorities are investigating a possible arson angle, and a suspect is already under the custody of police and barangay officials.

Authorities are still determining the cost of property damage. —KG, GMA News