15 families made homeless
13/08/2003 Malay Mail

QUICK action by firemen prevented a fire from consuming 18 other houses in Kampung Kovil in Jalan Ipoh, Sentul, yesterday.

In the 2.30pm incident, more than 15 families were made homeless within a five minutes, as fire razed their houses which were built close to one another.

Thirty-two firemen from Jalan Hang Tuah, Sentul and Menara Kota stations fought the flames for more than 30 minutes to bring it under control.

KL Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Abu Obaidat Mohamad said 12 houses were believed to be destroyed in the blaze.

He estimated the losses to be about RM200,000.

One of the victims, N. Segaran, 45, said he was chatting with his sister N. Rajeswari, 54, outside her house when he spotted smoke coming from his house.

"I ran stayed towards the house and grabbed my children and some, important documents. I don't know how it started," said Segaran.

Another victim, Fatimah Abdullah, 53,said she rushed out of her house when she heard shouts from the neighbours.

"I have stayed in this village for more than 30 years and this is the worst tragedy for my family," she said. She estimated her losses at over RM5, 000.

Fatimah and the other victims registered at the Selangor's Justice of Peace Community Centre nearby. MIC Federal Territory communication secretary Senator M. Saravanan also visited the site and gave clothes and RM200 to each of the families at the community centre.

He said the victims will housed at a community haIl in Jalan Tun Razak.