TAWAU: A 12-year-old autistic boy was killed in a fire that destroyed 30 houses in Kampung Sentosa here.
The boy’s body was found in a bedroom of his home at 10am yesterday, more than three hours after firefighters were alerted.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said firefighters managed to save 250 other houses from the blaze, which also destroyed a car.
The department received an emergency call at 6.44am, with firefighters from the Tawau Fire and Rescue Station arriving at the scene three minutes later.
“Upon arrival, we found six semi-permanent and non-permanent houses engulfed in flames, with the fire spreading to neighbouring structures,” it said.
Additional personnel were deployed to battle the blaze, which completely destroyed 30 houses.
The blaze was brought under control at 8am.
A total of 48 firefighters were involved in the operation, with assistance from other agencies.
The cause of the fire has yet to be established.
