Workshop fire leaves two senior citizens dead
KUCHING: Two senior citizens were found dead at the site of a workshop at Jalan Datuk Bandar Mustapha-Kuching Bypass here, which was destroyed in a fire that struck early yesterday.
According to Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Sarawak director Khirudin Drahman, a call was received at 4am reporting the incident.
Immediately after that, firefighters from the Batu Lintang and Tabuan Jaya stations were deployed to the scene.
“Our condolences to the families of the victims,” said Khirudin.
He said the two elderly individuals could have been trapped inside the one-storey property, which had window grilles.
In this aspect, Khirudin said while it was important to have window grilles in place to deter intruders, they posed danger during emergency situations like a fire, in which they could trap the occupants inside the premises.
“This is a very sad situation. Nevertheless, we are still carrying out our investigations,” he said.
According to a statement released by Bomba, the two senior citizens were identified as Chin Ah Jon, 70s, and Lim Gek Hue, 50s.
It also said the firefighting operation faced complications as the firefighters could not enter the property due to the presence of live electricity.
“One victim was found inside the unit’s living room, while the other was found in the bedroom.
“Fire also destroyed five vehicles parked at the workshop’s compound, and damaged four other vehicles.”
The bodies were handed over to police to be transported to Sarawak General Hospital’s Forensics Department.