KOTA KINABALU: A 58-year-old woman was killed while her husband sustained injuries in a fire that destroyed their grocery store and vehicle in Kampung Nangoh, Telupid, about 300km east of Kota Kinabalu.
The fire broke out around 9.23am on Friday (June 20), prompting a response from the Beluran Fire and Rescue Station, located some 77km away.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Rahmat Rudat said the blaze engulfed a 15-by-40-foot non-permanent structure that also stored 200-litre petrol drums and LPG gas cylinders.
“A Toyota Hilux Single Cab parked at the premises was also completely destroyed. The fire consumed 100% of the shop and vehicle,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The fire was brought under control by 1.50pm and fully extinguished three minutes later, using an open water source with one hose line spanning 200 feet.
The 60-year-old male victim had been rushed to the hospital before the fire team arrived, while the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her remains were handed over to the police for further action.
Rahmat added that there was no radio communication or mobile phone coverage during the operation.
