PETRA JAYA: A 13-year-old girl died while another teenager was injured after a two-storey terrace house caught fire at Lorong 5 Permai Jaya, Tupong Ulu, in the early hours of today.
The teenage girl was confirmed dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM).
Another victim, a 14-year-old boy, was rescued by firefighters and later sent to hospital by a KKM ambulance for further treatment.
A spokesperson from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM) Operations Centre said the department received an emergency call at 2.23am.
Following the report, firefighters from Petra Jaya Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Petra Jaya), assisted by personnel from Tabuan Jaya Fire and Rescue Station, were immediately sent to the scene.
The fire team arrived four minutes later and found that a permanent two-storey terrace house was badly damaged, with about 70 per cent of the building affected by the fire.
“Initial information showed that two victims were still inside the house during the incident.
“The firefighters entered the building using an offensive firefighting technique to rescue the victims who were reported trapped inside,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
Both victims were successfully brought out of the house and received early treatment from firefighters while waiting for the KKM medical team to arrive.
The firefighting operation involved the use of a hose reel, a 300-foot water hose line with a nozzle, and a ladder to control the blaze.
The fire was brought under control at 3.14am, while the operation ended at 3.40am after firefighters confirmed the area was safe.
The rescue operation was led by Senior Fire Officer I Syed Azrin Wan Halami, involving 17 firefighters using two Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) vehicles and one Urvan.
The operation was also supported by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and KKM medical personnel.
The tragic incident shocked residents in Tupong Ulu, especially after a young life was lost in a house fire that happened while many people were still asleep.
The cause of the fire and the total amount of losses are still under investigation by the authorities.
The incident serves as a reminder for the public to always prioritise home fire safety, including checking electrical appliances, preparing emergency exit plans, and ensuring fire safety equipment is available.
