Manila, August 3- A catastrophic fire engulfed a five-story residential and commercial building in Manila's historic Chinatown, claiming the lives of at least 11 people and leaving several others injured. The incident occurred in the Binondo district early Friday morning.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at approximately 7:30 a.m. local time. Despite their swift response, it took about three hours to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and authorities have yet to determine how it started.

Tragically, among the victims was the wife of the building's owner, according to local officials. The building, known for housing a mix of residential units and commercial storage spaces, was utilized by vendors to store their goods overnight. This raises concerns about the potential for additional casualties, as it remains unclear if anyone is still trapped inside.

The fire department, along with emergency responders, is continuing search and rescue operations. The number of injuries has not been confirmed, but several people were reported to have sustained injuries in the incident.

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, and have not ruled out any possibilities, including accidental causes or foul play. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting an outpouring of support for the victims and their families.

This incident highlights the need for stringent fire safety measures in mixed-use buildings, particularly in densely populated areas like Chinatown. The investigation into the cause of the fire will be closely watched, as authorities work to prevent such tragedies in the future.