72 people killed in Philippines factory fire

A fire that engulfed a footwear factory in the northern Philippines has killed 72 people.

The blaze swept through a slipper and shoe factory in Valenzuela City on Wednesday, Mayor Rex Gatchalian told reporters at a news conference.

Five people pulled alive from the burning factory on Wednesday were taken to local hospitals, total number of survivors was still unclear.

The blaze which started before noon Wednesday, was declared to be under control late afternoon by fire officials. 

The city government said the fire was believed to have been caused by sparks from welding work on the factory's gate setting alight chemicals in nearby containers.

"We tried to put the fire out by pouring water and using the fire extinguisher but it was difficult already," Steve Chua, a worker in the factory, told police, according to CNN Philippines.

Gatchalian said the facility was owned by the Kentex Manufacturing Corp.

Valenzuela City is part of the densely populated metropolitan region around the Philippine capital, Manila.