SIBU: The charred remains of an elderly woman was found following a fire that destroyed a row of seven houses at Lorong Kwong Tung, Jalan Lanang this morning.
Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said the deceased, identified as 72-year-old Lim Moi Kee, was discovered in front of the door of the second house.
Her remains were brought out of the house and handed over to the police to be taken to Sibu Hospital for further procedures.
On the incident, he said firefighters from Sibu and Sungai Merah stations were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 6.43 am.
“Upon arrival, they confirmed that the row of houses was engulfed and they had to resort to using water sourced from a nearby fire hydrant and an open water source to fight the flames.
“The fire was brought under control at 7.15 am,” he said.
Andy said only five houses were occupied and the other two were empty.
No injuries were reported as the 19 residents from five families managed to evacuate to safety. They will be staying with relatives temporarily.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigation.
