GEORGE TOWN, Nov 15 ― An early morning fire at a double-storey terrace house in Weld Quay here today killed MCA Tanjung division chief Lim Swee Bok’s mother, wife, son and daughter.
Those who perished were identified as Lau Sai Poh, 62; Chinese citizen Chen Yen, 35; a boy Lim Yin Chun, 9; and a girl Lim Jia Yiin, 8.
Swee Bok, who arrived at the scene while the fire was being put out, was overcome with emotion. His neighbours gathered around him, sharing in his grief. His father had passed away just last week.
According to Northeast District police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Omar, the house caught fire at around 6am. The Fire and Rescue Department received a call at 6.08am.
“It is believed that the four victims were trapped inside the house when the fire broke out,” Anuar said.
A total six fire engines, including two voluntary, arrived at the scene at about 6.17am.
[Video] Empat termasuk dua kanak-kanak maut dalam kebakaran di sebuah rumah di Pengkalan Weld, George Town kira-kira 6 pagi tadi - Bomba pic.twitter.com/mwS5w7H0lu
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The fire was brought under control in 30 minutes and did not spread to the house next door.
Anuar said three of the victims were found on the ground floor while the fourth was found on the first floor.
The bodies have been sent to the Penang Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
A spokesman from the Fire and Rescue Department said they are now conducting forensic investigations into the cause of the fire.
