Dozens feared dead in slipper factory fire in Philippines

Firemen yell for a hose as they try to put out a fire at a still-smoldering Kentex rubber slipper factory in Valenzuela city, a northern suburb of Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, May 13, 2015. The fire gutted the factory, possibly killing dozens of workers who ran to the second floor in hopes of escaping only to become trapped by inferno, officials said. Fire officials said there were no survivors found after the fire was put under control, said Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) Firemen yell for a hose as they try to put out a fire at a still-smoldering Kentex rubber slipper factory in Valenzuela city, a northern suburb of Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, May 13, 2015. The fire gutted the factory, possibly killing dozens of workers who ran to the second floor in hopes of escaping only to become trapped by inferno, officials said. Fire officials said there were no survivors found after the fire was put under control, said Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

By Associated Press May 13, 2015 3 min read

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – A fire gutted a rubber slipper factory in a suburb of the Philippine capital Wednesday, possibly killing dozens of workers who ran to the second floor in hopes of escaping only to become trapped by the inferno, officials said.

At least three bodies have been recovered and fire officials found no survivors after the fire was put under control, said Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela city, north of Manila.

Relatives reported 65 people missing, and Gatchalian said only seven people managed to escape the fire. There could be others who are listed as missing but were able to escape, he said.

District Fire Marshal Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu said he was among the first to reach the second floor of the gutted building after the fire and saw “numerous bodies,” many charred beyond recognition.

Radio reports quoted relatives as saying their kin sent text messages saying they were on the second floor, but contact was lost shortly after.