Six people died, one of them believed to be elderly citizens, during a two-hour fire that destroyed a four-story residential building in Sampaloc, Manila on Saturday (December 7).

Identities of the victims have not been revealed by arson probers who noted that the structure was made mostly of light materials.

Two of the fatalities were minors while one was a senior citizens.

“Rough finish lang ang bahay at kahoy ang mga flooring,” said Fire Senior Inspector Cesar Babante of the Bureau of Fire Protection Manila Station 5.

The upper floors reportedly collapsed on the victims who were occupying the lower level rooms.

Babante said the victims were apparently sleeping and were unable to escape during the fire. He noted that they could have easily break out because the windows had no grills and will fit individuals.

The fire was reported around 2:40 am and was declared extinguished at about 4:35 am.

There were 27 individuals from nine families inside the residential building when the fire broke out.

Damage to property was placed at PHP120,000.