KULAI: The police have confirmed that the deaths of a pregnant woman and a man in a fire at Taman Damai Jaya in Skudai were due to severe burn injuries.
“The post-mortem found that the cause of death for both victims was burn injuries affecting approximately 45% of their bodies,” said Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad at a press conference at the Senai police station here on Wednesday (Feb 11).
He added that investigations into the cause of the fire are being conducted by the Fire and Rescue Department, with assistance from its Forensic Unit and K9 Unit, as well as the Johor police forensic unit.
“So far, initial investigations have not found any criminal elements. However, investigations are ongoing pending the full report from the Fire and Rescue Department,” he said.
Comm Ab Rahaman also said that police have contacted five individuals to assist with the investigation into the incident.
He said statements have been recorded from more than five witnesses as part of the probe, which has been classified as a Sudden Death Report (SDR).
“Those called in include the house owner, the husband of one of the female victims, as well as several neighbours who were near the scene,” he said.
On Tuesday, a man and a woman were killed in a fire at a two-storey terrace house in Jalan Tenang 14 in Taman Damai Jaya near Skudai.
The victims have been identified as Wan Nurkhairani Wan Norzaini, 21, and Mohd Shahrizal Yap, 22.
Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue Station operation commander Mohamad Kamal Shaari said a distress call was received at 5.28am.
“A total of 13 firemen, assisted by two Fire Rescue Tenders and a four-wheel drive vehicle, were rushed to the scene,” he said.
“The fire involved a two-storey terrace house, with damage estimated at 40%. The blaze is believed to have started in the living room on the ground floor,” he added.
“During firefighting and inspection operations, two victims were found unconscious on the upper floor and were confirmed dead,” he said in a statement.
He added that the deceased, a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were handed over to the police for further action.
“The fire was brought under control and extinguished by 5.51am, and the cause of the fire, as well as the estimated losses, are still under investigation.
“After ensuring the scene was safe and concluding the operation at 8.08am, our team returned to the station,” he said.
