University in Laguna to investigate fire that killed one student
The Laguna State Polytechnic University has promised to do a "thorough" investigation into the fire that broke out in its Santa Cruz campus and killed one of its students.
According to their statement, the fire began in one of the school's laboratory rooms on March 13 at around 12:43 in the afternoon. While employees tried to act quick and put out the fire, it abruptly spread within the second floor of the building.
The blaze was eventually contained by the Bureau of Fire Protection, fire volunteers, and the LSPU community at around 6:56 p.m., but not before it took the life of Trisha Macalagay, who is a student leader at the school as well as a beauty queen.
"It is with deep sadness that the LSPU Management confirms that there had been one casualty of the incident," the university said.
"The LSPU Management is coordinating with appropriate authorities for the conduct of a thorough investigation for an official report," they assured.
The institution went on to urge others to "refrain from posting and sharing unverified information that could potentially cause harm and secondary trauma to all concerned."
"We ask for prayers as the affected family and the entire LSPU community go through this challenging time. Rest assured that the LSPU management remains committed in giving priority to the safety of all its stakeholders," they stressed.
In a separate statement, the university took the time to express its condolences to Macalagay's family for the loss.
"While no words can bring her back and bring peace and comfort to everyone, we extend our empathy to the family and friends, who are grieving at this most difficult time," they said.
The LSPU reiterated their vow to "thoroughly look into the matter and cooperate with the relevant agencies to ensure that an objective investigation is conducted urgently, and that accountability and responsibility is carried out in this extremely painful time."
They are also committed to "extending all forms of help it can to the family of Trisha" to move forward from the devastating incident."
"Trisha will forever be in our thoughts and prayers, and the university is with all of you in this incredibly challenging time. While words cannot suffice, our most fervent prayer is one of healing and recovery as we recollect her fruitful life and journey that she has briefly shared with everyone," the LSPU highlighted.
They ended their statement by describing Macalagay as a "a ray of sunshine, a source of inspiration, and a tower of hope to her classmates, friends, and teachers."
