JOHOR BAHRU: A semi-paralysed man was burnt to death in his double-storey terraced home in Jalan Keembong 18, Taman Johor Jaya here on Sunday.
In the 5.30pm incident, the victim, S Krishnan, 55, who was partially disabled after an accident five years ago, was trapped on the top floor of the house.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) deputy director Assistant Commissioner Fauzan Ahmad said the incident was reported to the department at 6.05pm and two fire engines with 20 firefighters were dispatched to the location to put out the fire.
He added that when the firefighters arrived at the scene, they found the whole top floor of the house completely destroyed by the fire.
“During the incident, there were four people (family members) in the house. The victim was on the top floor while the other three – the victim’s wife, son and daughter were on the ground floor. They did not notice the fire until a neighbour alerted them that there was smoke billowing from the back of the house.
“The fire also spread to the neighbour’s house where 15 percent of the top floor was destroyed,” he told reporters at the scene.
Fauzan said based on the condition of the victim, the department believed that there was a delay in calling for help to put out the fire.
He said the cause of the incident was still being investigated and the victim’s body was handed over to the police for further investigation. – Bernama
