MANILA, Philippines – A bedridden man died after a fire struck his hut in Laoag, Ilocos Norte on Wednesday afternoon.

Serafin Corpuz, 40, was not able to escape from his burning hut in Barangay Mangato-B because of his condition.

No one was able to save him because he lived by himself, and did not have his own family.

Corpuz’s relatives described the victim as an ill-tempered man, and a chronic drinker and smoker. They said they regularly delivered cigarettes and alcohol to the victim.

Initial investigation showed that a cigarette caused the blaze. However, fire investigators said they are not ruling out the possibility of a foul play since the house also smelled of gasoline. – report from Dianne Dy, ABS-CBN News Ilocos