THE search and rescue (SAR) operation for Vijayaletchumy, 48, from South India has been expanded to include six manholes near the sinkhole location in the Masjid India area.
According to reports in The Star, Dang Wangi police chief Sulizme Affendy Sulaiman said at 10.30am, a fireman went down into the manhole in front of Wisma Yakin but did not find the victim or any leads.
The first manhole near Wisma Yakin is roughly 100m from the sinkhole, with each manhole spaced similarly distant.
“We are searching the second manhole on Jalan Melayu. Let’s pray that we will find the victim,” he told reporters at the scene, adding that the search at the manholes has to be done in stages, to limit the risk to rescuers.
He said that for safety reasons, they could only lower one fireman for each manhole.
He also reminded those around the SAR areas to give their full cooperation to the authorities and advised traders near the manholes to avoid the locations for the time being to ensure they did not inhale any poisonous gas from the sewage system.
Sulizme said rescuers were using every expertise and technology available, and getting assistance from other agencies as well.
“We will consider the use of other tech if the need arises,” he said. – August 24, 2024
