MIRI, May 29: A longhouse in Long Bangan, Tutoh Apoh was completely destroyed after it caught fire on Tuesday (May 28), rendering 46 residents without a roof to take shelter.
The Fire and Rescue (JBPM) Sarawak received a distress call from Long Leng Village Chief, Maester Lolle at about 9.05am who informed that the fire had already started at about 5.00am that day.
A team of fire fighters from the Marudi Fire Station was dispatched to the scene immediately but only arrived six hours later due to challenges reaching the remote village.
Upon arrival at 3.04pm, the fire had already been extinguish by villagers.
No life casualties were reported.
The cause of the fire according one of the resident, stated that the fire might have been caused by a thunderstorm that struck a nearby solar panel, which then hit the longhouse.
Firefighters are still investigating the exact cause which originated from unit 66 of the 102-door longhouse.
The operation ended at 4.35pm and victims are currently accommodated at their respective families’ homes.
They also received 14 boxes of food aid from the Malaysian Civil Defence Department (APM). – TVS
