101-year-old lola killed in Cebu fire

A 101-year-old woman was killed in a fire that hit a residential area in Barangay Kasambagan in Cebu City on Thursday.

Juanita Arcaya, 101, was trapped in her house during the fire that lasted 10 minutes and caused P100,000 in damage, GMA Cebu's Nikko Sereno reported.

"Pinatay lahat ng plangka ni Liza ang sister-in-law ko pero hindi na siya makapasok sa kabilang kwarto para makuha ang lola ko kasi makapal na ang usok," the victim's granddaughter Sylvia Sim said.

But the report also said investigators are verifying claims the victim's smoking could have triggered the fire.

City fire marshal Chief Inspector Rogelio Bongabong said it was possible the victim fell asleep after smoking without making sure the cigarette was put out.

"Most probably nakatulog si Mrs. Juanita tapos ang kanyang sigarilyo baka may apoy pa at nalaglag niya sa mga nasusunog na bagay gaya ng foam o damit," he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News