A 73-year-old woman died in a fire that broke out in her home in Barangay Calicanto, Batangas City on February 22, 2024.

"Malaki na po talaga [yung apoy], base sa initial na [imbestigasyon] namin dito, sa taas ng bahay na ito [nagsimula ang apoy] tapos nag-radiate lang po," FO1 Nympa Garcia, investigator from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Batangas City, said.

The fire was believed to have originated from the house of the deceased, Luidivina Espiritu.

Authorities suspect that she may have slipped on the stairs while attempting to escape during the fire.

The screen door of the house was locked, leaving the firefighters no choice but to force entry.

They found Luidivina on the floor with possible fractures.

"May possible na fracture po siya po siya rito nung makita namin, nu'ng nakasubsob," Garcia added.

"Ang pagasa noong una, lumabas sabi pero noong sabihin ng bumbero na naka-lock ang screen, nataranta ako parang nasa loob," Honorio Espiritu, the brother of the deceased, said.

One of the possible causes authorities are looking at is a candle left burning on a small altar inside the victim's home.

"May altar kasi kami sa taas, nagsisindi siya, baka natumba 'yung kandila," Honorio added.

An abandoned house nearby was damaged. The fire was put out after 30 minutes.