Six firemen killed in tragedy comply with SOP – FRD DG

SHAH ALAM: Six fire and rescue personnel who drowned during a search and rescue (SAR) mission for a missing teenager in a disused mining pond in Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong, Wednesday had complied with the stipulated standard operating procedures ( SOP), said Fire and Rescue Department ( FRD) director- general Mohammad Hamdan Wahid.

He said although it was dark, the SAR was continued using surface water rescue method as the water was not deep.

“Checks by the department found that they had complied with the necessary SOP and strategy. If it was a planned task, we could call if off, but the task involved a search for a human. ( In such a situation) if the condition allows, we carry on, even at night,” he told reporters after the funeral prayers for the six firefighters, who were from the department’s Water Rescue Unit ( PPDA), at the Section 15 Fire and Rescue Station yesterday.

Mohammad Hamdan said the department would review the SOP, with the view of improving it, to prevent a similar incident.

He said preliminary investigation at the scene found that the pond was a floodgate and not suitable for recreational activities.

“There is a waterfall and at the foot of the waterfall was where the SAR was conducted. When they ( fire and rescue personnel) went towards the waterfall, the undercurrent was strong and there are also rocks placed there as water breakers. “We believe they must have stepped on the rocks and because of the strong under current, one of them could have slipped and the others were pulled by him as they were using human chain .

“They were in the water for about 10 minutes and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was given to them when they were brought up to the surface, but they could not be saved,” he added.

He said investigation would be carried out on the tragedy.