An octogenarian woman died when she was trapped inside her burning house in Brgy. Tangub, Bacolod City, Friday night, and arson investigator said yesterday.

Arson investigator Senior Fire Officer 1 Harry Fernandez identified the fatality as Julieta Gonzaga, 86, of Purok Paghidaet, Brgy. Tangub.

Investigation showed that the fire, believed caused by an improvised kerosene lamp, originated from the northern portion of Gonzaga’s house and spread rapidly as it was made of light materials.

Fernandez said they were informed by Police Station 8 about the fire incident at about 11 p.m. and when they arrived in Purok Paghidaet, the fire has already been pout out.

He said that the charred remains of Gonzaga were found under the rubble of the kitchen of her house that was near the door, indicating that she had attempted to escape.

Gonzaga, who was alone when the incident happened, might have left the kerosene lamp unattended near some combustible material or she had accidentally dropped it on the floor, causing the fire, Fernandez said.

The fire did not spread to the nearby houses but it destroyed P20,000 worth of property.*APN

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