Fire in Philippine mall kills 37 people

A fire in a Philippino mall killed 37 people on Saturday.

The blaze started in a furniture store at the NCCC Mall, and quickly spread, gutting the shopping mall. Though the fire started on Saturday, due to thick smoke and extreme heat, firefighters were unable to retrieve bodies until Monday.

All 37 victims were employees of a U.S.-based company, Research Now SSI, located on the third floor of the mall. Gary Laben, the company’s CEO, said they would provide counseling for employees, support funeral arrangements, and set up a fund to assist families of the fire victims.

President Rodrigo Duterte visited the scene in Davao, Philippines, the city where his daughter Sara is the mayor.

Among the fatalities, six people were rescued and taken to the hospital.