Cavite factory fire victim dies

By CNN Philippines Staff, Feb. 5, 2017

Cavite Governor Boying Remulla confirmed that HTI employee Jerome Sismaet died on Saturday night.

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A victim in the factory fire in Cavite has passed away.

Housing Technology Industries (HTI) employee Jerome Sismaet died on Saturday night due to severe burn injuries sustained in the blaze.

Cavite Governor Boying Remulla confirmed that Sismaet passed away.

He said, “At 11:28 last night, Saturday, February 4, Jerome Sismaet of HTI died after suffering severe burn injuries from the fire that broke out Wednesday, February 1 at 6 p.m. Let us all pray for the repose of his soul and for his loved ones. Nakikiramay po ang Lalawigan ng Cavite [The province of Cavite extends its condolences].”

So far, dozens of HTI employees are still confined in two hospitals in General Trias, Cavite.

Remulla admits the possibility that some dead bodies could still be recovered inside the factories.

Non-HTI employees who tried to rescue workers could be among them.

All accounted for

The fire at the HTI factory started on Wednesday and it took two days before it was put out at 4:15 p.m. on Friday.

Remulla also said Friday afternoon, based on the records provided by HTI, all 3,189 employees who were supposed to be at work when the fire started have been accounted for.

Read: Officials: Cavite factory fire put out, all workers accounted for

HTI meanwhile assured the provincial government that regular employees will be absorbed by the company. Contractual workers will also be absorbed if they will be needed for jobs. The company explained, some jobs are seasonal.

Remulla said an overheated installation machine may have sparked the fire on the first floor of the three-storey building.

He said the estimated damage stood at ₱15 billion as the fire destroyed the showroom, administration office, and insulation rooms of the six-hectare compound.

Labor groups on Friday staged a protest at the Labor Department office in Intramuros, Manila, urging the government to investigate the fire.