Dozens feared dead in slipper factory fire in Philippines

A mayor and fire officials in a suburb of the Philippine capital say dozens of workers are feared dead in a fire that razed a rubber slipper factory.

Mayor Rex Gatchalian of Valenzuela city north of Manila said at least 62 people were reported missing by their relatives and that fire officials say no one survived in the building after the fire was put under control.

District Fire Marshall Wilberto Rico Neil Kwan Tiu says he was among the first to reach the second floor of the gutted building after the fire and saw "numerous bodies," many charred beyond recognition.

Gatchalian says the fire apparently was ignited from sparks from welding works at the building's main entrance door.