ALOR STAR – Three people died in a fire that broke out earlier this morning at a popular karaoke outlet along Jalan Putra in Mergong here.
Police said the victims – Jeffrey Tan Yan Wei, 30, Mark Barry, 32, and a female Kim Mei Kit, 31 – were believed to have died from smoke inhalation from the fire that happened around 10am at the back of the outlet.
A distress call was received around 10.20am and three fire engines were dispatched to the scene, according to a spokesman for the state fire and rescue department.
“Rescue staff from the Alor Star fire and rescue station and Jalan Raja station were first to arrive, and the fire was doused within 10 minutes. During an inspection of the premises, we found the three victims sprawled in one of the rooms,” the spokesman said.
The department said the owner had notified authorities that there were 11 patrons and staff at the time, but only eight were accounted for after a head count was done.
An investigation will be conducted to determine if the outlet was operating within the stipulated hours, the spokesman said.
In a separate case, Penang police said an Indonesian national was found dead with his feet bound by steel chains at a flat in Jelutong.
Police said they do not suspect any foul play, but will investigate the case further. – The Vibes, April 22, 2022
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