Melaka shop lot fire claims two sisters, mother critical

MELAKA: A commercial building fire at the heart of the historic city kills two sisters while their mother is fighting for her life at Melaka Hospital.

Melaka Tengah OCPD Christopher Patit identified the victims as Nuralia Karisa Abdullah, 12, and two-year-old Nur Riaisha Zahra Abdullah.

He said the children's mother Azliha Ngah Ariffin, 40 is still in critical condition.

He said the children died of smoke inhalation in the 1.30pm blaze that broke out on the third floor of the shop lot at Plaza Mahkota here on Thursday (July 11).

ACP Christopher Patit said the first floor of the building had been turned into five-room units rented out as accommodations and the second floor had ten rooms while the victims were the only tenants on the third floor.

"However, the three victims were the only occupants when the fire broke out while the others were away at work," he said.

ACP Christopher Patit said a 41-year-old occupant realised his unit was filled with a billow of smoke before he made a distress call.

"Rescuers managed to rush the unconscious victims to Melaka Hospital but two of them succumbed while being treated," he added.

Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Pisar Aziz said they received the distress call at 1.33pm.

He said 38 personnel and two officers were rushed to the scene.