Monday, Nov 05, 2012
KOTA BARU - Five firemen suffered third-degree burns when huge containers of used motor oil exploded during a fire at a factory in the Pengkalan Chepa industrial zone.
The fire started at about 8.10am yesterday and went out of control when two of the four containers started leaking, causing explosions.
State Fire and Rescue Services director Azmi Othman said the firemen's efforts were also hampered by a lack of water.
Azmi said the five were among 29 firemen who fought the blaze.
Five other firemen suffered minor injuries.
He identified the five who are seriously injured as senior fire and rescue services officer (I ) Abdullah Din Mohamad, 55, senior fire and rescue services officer (II) Nazah Napi, 43, and firemen Abdul Razak Abdullah, 45, Wan Asri Wan Yaakob, 52, and Zulkifli Mahmud, 40.
They suffered burns to their faces, necks and hands and were admitted to Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia in Kubang Kerian and Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II.
Azmi said the fire was brought under control within two hours and only the back portion of the factory and an empty tanker parked nearby were destroyed.
Fire and Rescue Services Supt Shahrin Usma Mat Yusof said he was about to enter the factory when he saw thick smoke followed by a loud explosion.
"I ran in the other direction as fast as I could but my colleagues who were in the factory could not get out in time.
"As I turned around, I saw several of them running towards me with their uniforms on fire while screaming. I was shocked but I helped them," he added.
The factory's owner, Ong Cheok Hong, 38, said he was informed of the fire at 8.30am.
He said the factory was formerly used for dyeing tyres before its operations were relocated to the Klang Valley several months ago.
In Kuala Lumpur, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)) chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said firemen should adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP) to prevent further risks.
"The most important thing is they should follow SOP when facing danger regardless of whether the blaze occurs at a factory or school," he said.
