Valenzuela, NCR, Philippines
On 14 May, a spark ignited an inferno at the Kentex footwear factory situated in Valenzuela City, on the outskirts of Manila. Due to the presence of large quantities of chemicals and cramped conditions, the fire spread quickly. Due to inadequate exits and non existent fire control systems, at least 72 workers died in the fire. The factory had been listed as safety compliant. Most of the workers were employed via labour broker companies. In the Philippines, safety standards are routinely not followed or enforced, with many other workers killed in similar circumstances.
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