6 hurt, over 20 people missing in massive shopping mall fire in the Philippines

DAVAO CITY, the Philippines, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- Six people were rushed to hospitals while over 20 others remain missing after a huge fire devoured a shopping mall in the hometown of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, authorities said.

The blaze hit the NCCC Mall of Davao in Ma-a village when shoppers were buying for the Christmas holidays, according to city police spokesperson Maria Teresita Gaspan.

The blaze started at a furniture store on the third floor and quickly spread to the next level.

At least six people, with ages from 21 to 46 years old, were injured in the fire and rushed to hospitals.

A spokesperson for the shopping center confirmed the incident and said the mall management was now coordinating with authorities.

Fire investigators said at least 20 people are still missing after six hours of the fire. Enditem