BUKIT MERTAJAM: A towering inferno has erupted at the light industrial estate in Juru, sending thick plumes of black smoke spiraling ominously into the sky as fire crews raced against time to bring the blaze under control.
The fire, which broke out around 3.15pm Tuesday (July 15), rapidly engulfed two adjacent factory blocks used for processing hardware, one a 16-year-old structure, the other barely a year old, according to an on-site operator who watched helplessly as the flames consumed both buildings.
By 4.30pm, the blaze showed no signs of relenting, its smoke columns so massive they could be seen from across the strait in George Town, casting a dark shadow over the skyline.
The Fire and Rescue Department have reported that least 60% of the buildings have been destroyed.
Firefighters from multiple stations, including those from voluntary units, have been deployed in a relentless effort to contain the inferno, battling intense heat and thick smoke as they struggle to prevent the flames from spreading.
No casualties have been reported as of press time.
