Military Retiree Killed in House Fire

RAUB: An 80-year-old military retiree was killed in a fire that destroyed his home in Kampung Kuala Dong here last night.

The victim, Abdul Hamid Jaafar, is believed to have been trapped in the living room when the fire broke out at about 9.55pm before his body was found by firefighters.

His 76-year-old wife, however, managed to escape unharmed.

Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Director Datuk Mohd Razam Taja Rahim said a team from the Raub Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) arrived at the scene at 10.20pm.

“The fire was brought under control at about 10.40pm. After the blaze was extinguished, firefighters conducting an inspection inside the premises found the victim’s body in the living room.

“About 80 per cent of the house was damaged,” he said in a statement today.

Abdul Hamid is believed to have suffered severe burns due to the intense heat from the fire.

Razam said a total of 20 personnel from the Raub, Sungai Koyan and Lipis Fire and Rescue stations were deployed to extinguish the blaze.

The operation ended at 2.13am.

Meanwhile, Dong State Assemblyman Datuk Fadzli Mohamad Kamal said in a Facebook post that he went to the village after being informed of the incident last night.

“I was deeply saddened to learn that Abdul Hamid was found dead inside the burning house.

“My condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” he said.

Berita Harian