Six people die in shophouse fire

IPOH: Six people perished in a fire at a two- storey shophouse in the Puncak Jelapang Maju industrial area, Meru, here, yesterday.

A Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said they received a call on the fire about 1.55pm.

He said when its team of firemen arrived at the scene, the shophouse was already 40 per cent engulfed by f lames and thus far, six people were confirmed dead in the fire by a medical officer.

Meanwhile, Jelapang assemblyman, Cheah Pou Hian said all the dead victims were locals. Cheah was informed by members of the public that a loud explosion was heard just before the fire outbreak.

Based on the signboard at the premises, it housed an event management business which also supplied equipment for events such as canopies, PA systems and lightings.