Two students killed in Cagayan de Oro boarding house fire

Two female college students died after becoming trapped in a fire that destroyed a rented two-story boarding house in Barangay Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City. The victims have been identified as 22-year-old Sam, the daughter of the house owner, and 20-year-old Cris, a nursing student from Malaybalay City.

The fire, which reached a third alarm, destroyed four houses and caused an estimated 800,000 pesos in structural damage. Approximately 48 people were affected by the incident, and three individuals were hospitalized with injuries. While some boarders managed to escape by jumping from the second floor, the two victims were unable to exit the building.

Authorities have recovered the remains, which were reportedly unrecognizable, and an autopsy will be conducted by the Forensic Unit of Region 10. While the house owner noted that old electrical wires had recently been replaced, investigators have not yet confirmed if the electrical system was the cause. Initial findings show no immediate indication of foul play, but a deeper investigation into the cause of the blaze is ongoing.