An 8-year-old boy with special needs was trapped inside their burning house in Consolacion, Cebu, and investigators are checking if a tablet left charging started the fire
An 8-year-old boy died after a fire hit their family’s house in Consolacion, Cebu, and authorities are now looking into whether a tablet left charging inside his room caused the blaze.
Based on the report of Elikha Joy Janaban of Cebu Daily News, the fire broke out shortly after midnight on Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Purok 5, Barangay Nangka, Consolacion. The boy, who has special needs, was trapped inside the burning house.
The victim’s mother said the boy was sleeping alone in a separate room that night because his uncle, who usually sleeps beside him, had gone out. The parents were in another room with their youngest child, 3, when they were startled to see flames already engulfing the boy’s room.
The fire was reportedly too strong, and the family was unable to rescue him. They suspected an electrical problem after hearing a loud explosion.
In a report by John Consulta on 24 Oras Weekend, published by GMA News, homeowner Arlene Colon said the fire started in the bedroom of Colon’s grandchild, the 8-year-old boy, who is on the autism spectrum.
According to SFO1 Ferdinand Iman Jr., investigators are checking if the boy’s tablet, which had been left plugged in, overheated and triggered the fire. Officials noted that the electrical outlet near the tablet was among the most heavily damaged parts of the house.
Firefighters from the Consolacion Fire Station are still investigating to determine the exact cause of the incident.
The tragedy came days after a 19-year-old person with disability died when he was trapped inside a burning house in Barangay Pitalo, San Fernando, southern Cebu, on November 9.
Authorities reminded the public not to leave appliances and gadgets plugged in when they are not in use, to help prevent similar fires.
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