8-year-old boy dies in Cebu fire possibly sparked by charging tablet

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An eight-year-old boy died after a fire engulfed his family's house in Barangay Consolacion, Cebu, last night. Authorities are looking into the possibility that an overheated tablet left charging inside the boy's bedroom sparked the fire.

According to John Consulta's report on 24 Oras Weekend, a family was awakened by flames that quickly engulfed their home in a neighborhood in Barangay Consolacion.

The homeowner, Arlene Colon, said the fire started in the bedroom of his grandchild, an eight-year-old boy on the autism spectrum who became trapped inside the house.

According to SFO1 Ferdinand Iman Jr., authorities are investigating whether the boy's tablet, which had been left plugged in, overheated and triggered the blaze.

Officials said the electrical outlet near the tablet was among the areas most severely damaged by the fire.

Authorities reminded the public not to leave appliances and electronic devices plugged in when not in use to help prevent fires.

In Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya, a pickup truck caught fire in the middle of a highway.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the driver noticed oil leaking onto the road while he was driving. He also saw flames coming from the rear of the vehicle, prompting him to pull over.

The driver escaped unharmed. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, a van carrying a coffin collided with a motorcycle carrying two siblings along the national highway in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

Both siblings were killed on the spot. The van driver was critically injured, while his assistant sustained injuries.

Police said the siblings were making a turn when their motorcycle was hit by the oncoming van.

Three residents walking along the roadside were also caught in the accident.

In Pototan, Iloilo, a man was killed after being hit by an SUV.

Police said the victim, who was allegedly intoxicated, suddenly crossed the road. The driver tried to avoid him but failed to prevent the collision.

The driver and the victim's relatives later reached a settlement.— MCG, GMA News