Boy dies after uprooted tree fell on top of his house

A boy was killed after a tree fell on top of his house in Kampung Bakalau, Beaufort, about 97km from here, early today.

Beaufort District Police Chief, DSP Mustaffa Maarof Mustaffa said the five-year-old victim suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at Beaufort Hospital.

"The incident occurred at about 6.19am when a tree located on the river bank of the Sungai Bakalau which had rotted at its base fell down," he said when contacted here today.

Meanwhile, Sabah Fire and Rescue public relations officer Mohd Affendy K Ramin said the department received a call at about 6.22am and arrived at the scene six minutes later.

He said eight other victims who were trapped in the homes managed to be saved by the public before the firemen arrived.