MIRI: A post-mortem is set to be conducted on the body of a 13-year-old girl, a China national, who perished in a house fire early Tuesday (Nov 5) on Grand Park Road.
Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed the procedure, which is aimed at determining the cause of death and contributing factors surrounding the incident.
The victim, identified as Yuan Ruohan, was found on her bed after her home was engulfed in flames.
Emergency services from the Lopeng fire station responded swiftly after receiving a distress call at 3.06am.
Firefighters arrived to find one of two connected semi-detached houses fully consumed by fire, while the adjacent property had only partial damage to the ceiling. Each house measured approximately 20 by 30 square feet.
According to preliminary reports, the teenager’s mother and stepfather, a local cook, were not at home when the fire broke out, as both were away for work commitments.
The incident drew the attention of Sarawak Transport Minister and Senadin assemblyman Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, who visited the site in the afternoon.
Lee conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family and assured that immediate welfare support would be provided through the Miri Welfare Department.
“Efforts are underway to provide relief and assistance to the family during this tragic time,” he remarked at the scene.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine the cause of the fire.
Further updates are expected following the post-mortem.