Redwood City: Authorities identify two victims of liquor store fire

Authorities in Redwood City have revealed the names of two victims who tragically lost their lives in a fire that erupted early morning last week at a local liquor store. The San Mateo County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Benigno Nuguid Pare, 56, and Anil Kumar Sharma, 25. This information was shared through a press statement by the Redwood City Police Department. At this time, officials have not determined why both individuals were inside the building when the fire started. The blaze occurred at Avenue Liquor Store on Roosevelt Avenue during the early hours of November 3rd. Firefighters responded to the scene around 5:30 a.m. and found the entire store consumed by flames. Despite their swift efforts to contain the fire, responders discovered the two victims inside the structure and confirmed their deaths. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the Redwood City Police Department, Fire Department, and the coroner’s office jointly looking into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Benigno Pare was an employee at the liquor store. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his family, including his wife and four children, with funds aimed at covering funeral expenses and the transportation of his remains to the Philippines. The campaign organizer, Bali S., who worked alongside Pare, described him as a hardworking and humble man who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Bali highlighted how much Benigno meant to everyone around him, especially his close family, and expressed the community’s commitment to support them through this difficult time. Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any additional information that might help clarify the events leading up to the fire. Investigators are still trying to piece together the exact cause and sequence of events that resulted in this tragedy. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of two lives and grapples with the shock of the incident, as friends, family, and colleagues remember the victims with great affection and respect. The tragedy underscores the dangers that can arise in everyday places and highlights the importance of fire safety measures. It also raises questions about building safety standards and emergency response effectiveness in commercial establishments. As the investigation unfolds, there is hope that lessons learned will prevent similar incidents in the future, ensuring better protection for workers and customers alike.