Four killed in textile shophouse fire

JOHOR BAHARU: Four Indians were killed when fire razed a textile shophouse in Jalan Pasar, Masai near here early yesterday.

FIERY DEATH: Fire and Rescue personnel bring out one of the bodies from the burnt shop. — Bernama photo

Johor Fire and Rescue deputy director Syukor Sani Hashim said the fire at 3am also destroyed two adjacent stationery and two textile shops.

“Two of the victims were working at the textile shop while two others were their friends.

The charred remains have yet to be identified,” he told reporters at the fire scene yesterday.

Syukor Sani said two victims were found upstairs, one on the staircase while another on the ground floor of the double storey shophouse.

The four Indians were believed to be sound asleep when the fire broke out at the front portion of the shophouse.

Two fire engines one each from Pasir Gudang and Johor Baharu rushed to the scene when informed of the fire at 3.15am and brought it under control in ten minutes.

“We believe that arson is involved as a four litre petrol container was found at the scene. Losses have yet to be determined,” he said.

Meanwhile, shop owner Muthu Veeraya,40, said he was away in Kuala lumpur when informed of the fire at 4am. — Bernama