Firemen survey the collapsed houses.
Hua Kiew Road is blocked by the rubbles.
SIBU: Three persons were injured while two others escaped unhurt when a row of six wooden double-storey terraced houses in Hua Kiew Road collapsed at 11am yesterday.
Four of them were resting inside the houses while the fifth was returning to take an umbrella when the incident occurred.
Two of the injured persons were sent to the hospital while the third – the woman who returned for the umbrella – injured a finger. She did not seek hospital treatment.
The incident occurred during the rain and strong wind.
The houses were being dismantled to give way for rebuilding.
The residents have meanwhile moved out five months ago while several construction workers and their families have moved in, occupying a unit on the upper floor. The collapse occurred during lunch break while most of the workers have left.
A resident living across the road identified as Donny said he was sleeping when the houses came tumbling down. He heard a loud bang, rushed out and saw the collapsed houses. He went over to help the injured workers.
Just before the incident, an 85-year-old grandmother who was putting up at one of the units left the house with her daughter. She (daughter) however returned for the umbrella as it was raining.
Civil Defence Department and Fire and Rescue Department personnel were informed of the tragedy. They rushed over to help.
The terraced houses were built six decades ago.