KANGAR: A fisherman sustained 90% burns while his friend suffered 45% burns after a fibreglass boat they were inspecting to prepare for a fishing trip exploded and caught fire.
Kangar OCPD Asst Comm Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said they were informed of the incident in Kampung Tanah Baru in Kuala Perlis at 11.55pm Thursday (Oct 17).
The injured men were identified as Mohamad Bakri Idham, 54, and Nur Azman Sabu, 45.
ACP Yusharifuddin said Mohamad Bakri is in the intensive care unit of Hospital Tuanku Fauziah here, while Nur Azman has been warded in stable condition at the same facility.
He said the duo were checking the boat to see that its fuel, battery and equipment were in order.
An explosion occurred when one of them opened the battery compartment, causing a fire.
"The explosion and fire engulfed both victims, causing severe burns.
"They were rescued by villagers who were nearby,” he said in a statement on Friday (Oct 18).
Perlis Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Zaidi Ma'at said they received an emergency call at 11.56pm Thursday.
The firefighting operation ended at 12.50am Friday, he added. – Bernama
