An early morning blaze in Sungai Petani resulted in the tragic deaths of three family members, one of whom was a nonagenarian. The fire started at approximately 1am yesterday, engulfing eight shoplots, including a pawn shop, appliance store, and hair salon.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department director Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang confirmed that three individuals, all senior citizens, lost their lives in the fire that completely destroyed the two-storey shophouses located in Jalan Sungai Emas, Kota Kuala Muda, Kedah.
The victims have been identified as Lim Yang Kooi, 66, the owner of a sewing equipment shop, his wife Lee Chew Fong, 61, and her 93-year-old mother, Yong Swee Lan.
“The remains of the third victim were found partially burned at approximately 10.15am,” Awang Hidzel stated, announcing the completion of the operation.
The first victim was discovered in the living room around 3.19am, once firefighters extinguished the flames. The second victim was found at 6am beneath the debris of the entrance door.
“We suspect that one of them was trapped near the staircase while attempting to flee from the fire,” Awang Hidzel revealed.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and Awang Hidzel has not ruled out the possibility that the victims may have succumbed to smoke inhalation while attempting to escape the burning building.
In a separate incident in Penang, a 60-year-old disabled man lost his life in a fire that ravaged two kampung houses early yesterday morning.
The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received a report at 3.44am regarding a fire in Jalan Kampung Pisang, Ayer Itam, Penang.
“Upon arrival, we found two kampung houses engulfed in flames,” the department reported. “We managed to bring the fire under control around 4.28am.
“Unfortunately, a disabled man was unable to escape and perished in the fire,” the statement continued.
The fire caused extensive damage, accounting for 90% of both homes.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
