One dead, six injured in Miri shophouse fire

A woman was killed and six others, including two firemen, were injured in a fire which struck a block of six double-storey shophouses in Jalan Merbau, Friday evening.

The blaze occurred about 6.50pm.

Miri police chief ACP Khoo Leng Huat said the deceased was identified as Chinese Penan, Huong Siew Fong, 21, of Marudi, Baram.

He said her sister, Siew Ching, 26, and brother, How Chuang, 24, were at the height of the blaze but both sustained injuries," he told reporters here.

Also injured in the fire were Elizabeth Liza, 20 and Henry Adul, 27.

Khoo said all four injured were treated at the Miri Hospital.

Meanwhile, Bernama learnt two firemen were also injured in the blaze.

One of the firemen had stepped on something sharp while the other experienced shortness of breath as a result of thick smoke.

They were given medical treatment at the scene of the incident.

Miri Fire and Rescue Department chief, Law Poh Kong said initial investigations revealed Siew Fong was killed when she jumped from the second floor, together with three others.

He said the blaze destroyed a block of shops housing a homestay, laundry, transport company and a cake ingredient shop.

-- BERNAMA