A FIRE which tore through a hotel and casino complex in the Philippine capital has killed at least three employees, trapped two others and forced the evacuation of more than 300 guests.
Police were unsure if the fire at the Manila Pavilion Hotel and Casino, which was still raging after seven hours, started in the casino in the lower floors or in an area of the hotel that was under renovation.
TV footage showed dark grey smoke billowing from the first and second floors as rescuers brought people out of the building.
READ MORE: Erdogan heralds defeat of 'terrorists' as Kurd forces flee Afrin
Johnny Yu, who heads Manila’s disaster-response agency, told reporters that at least six other people were overwhelmed by heavy smoke and brought to a hospital.
Among the dead were two security guards and a treasury officer, he said.
At least 19 people were unaccounted for, but Yu said that only two, both security camera operators, were confirmed to have been trapped in the hotel and rescuers were trying to reach them.
Streets around the hotel, which lies in the heart of Manila’s tourist district, were blocked off to allow dozens of fire engines to approach.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here