JASIN: A woman and her four children perished in a fire that destroyed their home in Kampung Berangan Enam in Umbai here.
Jasin OCPD Supt Mohamad Rusli Mat said that in the 1.30am inferno on Thursday (Feb 13), the five family members were confirmed dead at the scene, while the father, in his 30s, survived and was rushed to Jasin Hospital.
"In the incident, the 35-year-old woman was found in the house's porch area, while her four children, aged two, seven and 13, were discovered near the door, believed to have been trying to escape," he said at the scene on Thursday.
He also identified the dead as the children's mother Fatinah Mustafa, 35, her eldest daughter Nur Damia Badrisya,13, only son Izz Dafa Hafizzudin, seven and two other daughters, Nur Dalila Khatijah, five and two-year-old Izz Dani Fati.
He said the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department found the bodies of the wife and four children.
"The wife, and her children perished in the incident," he said.
According to an eyewitness, the father who managed to escape through a window had recently suffered a leg fracture from a road accident last month.
Supt Mohamad Rusli said all the victims were sent to Jasin Hospital for post-mortem and the case has been temporarily classified as sudden death.
Meanwhile, a neighbour, Abdul Kahar Ahmad said he heard a commotion at the victim's house, with the father shouting for his wife and children to flee the burning home.
However, the 70-year-old said the attempt was futile as all the doors and windows were locked with grilles and the flames were intense.
“It was late at night and I was preparing drinks in my kitchen when I heard people shouting. I rushed to the back of my house and saw flames coming from the upper part of their house.
"I was heartbroken and helpless," he said.
Abu Kahar said the fire spread quickly and he could hear the father’s voice calling out for help but there was nothing he could do as the doors and grilles were locked.
