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New Limo Regulations Proposed In Wake Of Deadly San Mateo Bridge Fire

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—A memorial service was held Friday at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco for the five women who died in last week's limousine fire on the San Mateo Bridge, while at the same time Sacramento lawmakers looked at new rules governing the service vehicles.

Among the proposals was a law that would require fire extinguishers in all limousines. Current law does not require one in a vehicle licensed to carry ten or fewer people.

That was just one of a packet of safety-related  bills introduced Friday in Sacramento.

At the memorial, Consul General Marciano Paynor said the local Filipino community is relieved that authorities are now taking a closer look at limousine safety regulations.

"Every time we have events like this, families gather together. Inevitably they gravitate towards a religious activity. For many of us who are Catholic, there's the Mass," he said.

Memorial Service Held At SF Philippine Consulate For 5 Women In Limo Fire

Paynor said he initially didn't know the women in the limousine were Filipino until they received a text message.

"In fact, my daughter was on the bridge and was trapped there for three hours because they couldn't move when the accident happened," he said.

The families of the victims can't hold burial services yet because of the ongoing investigation.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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