MIRI, July 25 ― The 25-year-old Catherine Janet Tiwi, who perished in a fire which broke out at the Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Batu Bungan housing quarters in Mulu early this morning, was trying to rescue her two teaching colleagues.
Marudi district police chief DSP Gabriel Risut said according to a witness, there was a blackout before the fire took place.
“During that frantic moment to escape, the victim was said to have tried to evacuate the other two teachers who were in a room. However, she was unable to run to safety,” he said in a statement today.
Gabriel said the injured teachers were identified as Nur Syuhada Azahari, who suffered 22 per cent burns on her face and body, while her friend, Siti Masrina, sustained burns on her legs.
He said the remains of the victim were taken to the Miri Hospital.
Gabriel said Nur Syuhada was also brought to the same hospital for further treatment while Siti Masrina was treated at the Mulu Health Clinic.
Earlier, Miri Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) chief Law Poh Kiong said the fire broke out at two living quarters which had eight occupants.
“Five people were in the first house while three were occupying the quarters next door,” he said here.
According to a witness, the fire started from the living room of one of the quarters.
Law said FRD of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) at the Mulu Airport arrived at the scene at 5.40 am and the blaze was completely extinguished by 6.34 am.
It was learnt that before the incident a motivation camp was being held near the housing quarters for pupils from three primary schools namely SK Batu Bungan, SK Long Panai and SK Penghulu Baya Mallang. — Bernama
