Three girls injured in Penang dorm roof collapse

Three residents of Wisma Anak Yatim Perempuan Islam Penang in Jalan Scotland here were injured after the roof of a dormitory collapsed on Tuesday night.

Northeast district police chief ACP Soffian Santong said the Fire and Rescue Department received a report regarding a roof collapse at a dormitory which housed 30 female residents aged between seven and 18 years at 9.42pm,

“Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters found three girls aged eight, 10 and 13 suffering from injuries after being hit by falling roof debris. All of them were safely rescued by two hostel wardens and other residents.

“The Fire and Rescue Department sent the three injured girls to the Penang Hospital. Based on an initial examination, they are in stable condition, but doctors will carry out further treatment.”

He said the eight-year-old victim suffered minor injuries, while the 10-year-old complained of pain in the neck and the 13-year-old had a pain in the back.

Soffian said at the time of the incident only the three victims were in the dormitory, the others were attending classes, revising lessons, resting or eating in the other parts of the hostel.

He said an inspection found part of the roof in the 185 sq m room collapsed before debris from the roof hit the three victims. The police and fire department have decided to close the hostel.

“After an initial inspection, we have decided to close the dormitory temporarily, so that further inspections can be carried out. So far, there are no suspected criminal elements, but we will carry out a detailed investigation.” – Bernama