Six die in shophouse blaze in Ipoh

Firemen bringing out the body of a victim from the burnt-out building. - SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star

IPOH: Six people died in a fire at a two-storey shophouse in the Jelapang Maju Industrial Area, Meru, here, on Tuesday (Dec 11).

The fire broke out at the shop, which provides event supplies, at around 1.55pm.

A Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said when a team of firemen arrived at the scene, the shophouse was already 40% engulfed by flames.

So far, six people were confirmed dead in the fire by a medical officer, according to Bernama.

Meanwhile, Jelapang assemblyman Cheah Pou Hian said the victims, believed to be all males, were locals.

The identities of the victims have yet to be ascertained.

He said firemen were still trying to bring the bodies out from the burnt-out building.

Cheah was told by members of the public that a loud explosion was heard just before the fire broke out.