AN elderly man with disabilities was killed in a house fire after he was believed to have been overcome by thick smoke inside a double-storey terraced home in Taman Seri Mahkota Jaya, Kuantan, on Wednesday morning.
The victim, identified as G. Vilthaliggam, who had both legs amputated, was found inside the living room after firefighters extinguished the blaze. Initial findings indicate there were no burn injuries on the body, with authorities believing the victim died from smoke inhalation.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said emergency responders received a distress call at 9.30am, prompting eight personnel from the Taman Tas Fire and Rescue Station to rush to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire confined to the ground floor of the house. They were initially informed that no one was inside the property and were forced to break open the front door to gain access and bring the blaze under control.
"After the fire was extinguished at about 9.50am, firefighters discovered the victim's body on a bed in the living room," Mohd Razam told reporters at the scene.
He said the victim did not suffer any burn injuries and is believed to have died after inhaling thick smoke.
According to the victim's family, both of Vilthaliggam's legs were amputated two years ago due to complications from diabetes. He had been living with his younger sibling and sibling-in-law at the house.
However, both family members were away when the fire broke out, leaving the victim alone inside the residence.
The body has been taken to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan in Kuantan for a post-mortem examination, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation. - July 8, 2026
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