Charges Filed Against Owner in Fatal Hotel Fire

Authorities filed criminal charges against the owner of a budget hotel that caught fire over the weekend, killing 73 people and injuring 51. An official report said the fire exits were padlocked or obstructed.

Supt. Danilo Cabrera of the Bureau of Fire Prevention charged William Genato with reckless endangerment resulting in multiple deaths and injuries in connection with the blaze in Quezon City, which was sparked by a short circuit.

Police have been unable to find Genato, but authorities said he had contacted them and told them that he would surrender as soon as charges were filed.