SANDAKAN: An 84-year-old woman perished after being trapped inside a fully engulfed double-storey semi-permanent house on Jalan Fook Hin, Mile 12, here on Monday night.
The victim, identified as Nicole, was found dead at the scene. Firefighters recovered her body about two hours after the blaze broke out, at 10.44 pm, in the living room area of the house.
Officer-in-Charge of Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Jimmy Lagung, said the emergency call was received at 8.38 pm. The first fire engine arrived at the scene at 9.00 pm, covering a distance of 20 kilometres from the station.
Upon arrival, the fire had already completely destroyed the 40ft x 80ft house. Firemen were informed that one victim was still trapped inside, he added.
“A total of 13 firefighters from the Sandakan station conducted firefighting operations using one 300-foot hose line with two jets, drawing water from the water tanker,” Jimmy said.
The blaze was contained at 9.35 pm. However, search and rescue operation continued until the victim was found at 10.44 pm.
A total of seven people were home at the time of the incident. The elderly victim was the only one unable to escape.
Firefighters were assisted at the scene by five policemen and two health ministry personnel.
Jimmy said further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, adding that, the elderly woman’s remains was handed to the police for further actions. – James Leong
Firemen putting out the fire at the double-storey semi-permanent house.
