Dockworker dies as barge under repair catches fire in Penang, five others injured

GEORGE TOWN: A dockworker was killed and five others injured when a barge at Gat Lebuh Maccallum waterfront caught fire on Tuesday (Dec 28).

Lebuh Pantai fire station operation officer Mohamad Yahaya Murad said the victim, Yaser Abdullah, 60, died while receiving treatment at Penang Hospital an hour after he was admitted.

"The victim was given treatment at the scene by the rescue team before he was sent to the hospital," he said.

Mohamad Yahaya said five other dockworkers, aged from 35 to 72, suffered light injuries with burns on their hands.

It is learnt that repairs were being conducted on the barge at the shipyard when an explosion occurred.

A Penang Fire and Rescue Department spokesperson said a team of firefighters from the Lebuh Pantai fire station rushed to the scene at 10.45am after they were alerted to the incident.

"Upon reaching the scene, the barge was already on fire and 20% of it was razed," he said in a statement on Tuesday.

He said the fire was contained at about 11.08am and fully extinguished about 20 minutes later.

"Firefighters are still conducting an overhaul operation at the scene," he said, adding that voluntary firemen are assisting the operation.