Philippines fire kills 17

(ROUGH CUT ONLY - NO REPORTER NARRATION)

A fire swept through a department store in Butuan City in the southern Philippines on Wednesday (May 9), killing at least 17 people who were trapped inside, local media reported.

Around a dozen firefighters managed to put out the fire two hours after it started at 4 a.m. local time.

Initial police reports said at least 21 workers were sleeping inside the building.

Department stores in the Philippines sometimes allow their employees to stay in building overnight, especially those whose homes are far away.

Authorities said investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.