A DEVASTATING fire early this morning engulfed a two-storey worker housing block in the Shin Yang Sdn Bhd area on Jalan Sungai Nyigu, claiming the lives of a 61-year-old woman and a 15-year-old boy.
The victims, identified as Taun Nyaring and Melbourne Jeasy, were found charred at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre said the emergency call was received at 1.01 a.m., prompting the dispatch of 16 firefighters from the Bintulu Fire and Rescue Station. The station is located approximately six kilometres from the site.
“Upon arrival at 1.10 a.m., the fire was found to have completely engulfed a two-storey worker housing block comprising 31 units,” the spokesperson stated.
The building, a temporary structure covering an estimated 3,000 square feet, was entirely destroyed in the blaze.
Three motorcycles were also completely burnt, while a fourth sustained approximately 40 percent damage.
“Initial reports indicated that occupants were believed to have been trapped when the fire broke out,” the spokesperson added.
Firefighters drew water from a nearby river, pumping it to their engines to combat the flames. The fire was brought under control by 1.28 a.m. and was fully extinguished at 5.30 a.m. after the area was declared safe.
The bodies of the elderly woman and her teenage grandson were discovered at 4.20 a.m. and handed over to the police for further investigation.
The cause of the fire and the total extent of losses are still under investigation. - February 2, 2026
