Siblings Found Embracing After House Fire
MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL – Two young siblings, aged two and four, were found dead in a heartbreaking scene—still embracing each other—after a fire destroyed their home in Barangay Lower Rubia, Sinacaban.
According to police reports, the children were left alone in their small wooden-and-bamboo hut while their parents went to work. When the fire broke out, the older sibling reportedly tried to protect the younger one as the flames quickly spread.
A report from the Sinacaban Fire Station confirmed that firefighters found the children hugging each other, showing how they stayed close in fear during their final moments. SFO2 Stephen Florida said that neighbors heard the children crying and calling for their mother, but due to the distance between homes and the fast-spreading fire, no one was able to reach them in time.
Authorities believe the fire may have started from a lit kerosene lamp left unattended inside the house. Since the structure was made of light, flammable materials like wood and sawali (woven bamboo), it was quickly consumed by the flames.
The tragedy has left the community in mourning, grieving the loss of two innocent lives who stayed together until the very end.
Meanwhile, during a fire, it is important to stay calm and act quickly. Leave the building immediately using the nearest safe exit—do not stop to grab belongings. If there is smoke, stay low to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Check doors for heat before opening them. If your clothes catch fire, stop, drop, and roll. Once outside, call emergency services and never return to the burning building. Help others escape only if it is safe to do so. Go to your family’s designated meeting point if one exists. Being prepared, knowing your exits, and practicing fire drills can save lives. Quick thinking and calm actions are key to staying safe during a fire emergency.