Fire Destroys 26 Workers’ ‘Kongsi’ Houses In Labuan

LABUAN, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- A fire destroyed 26 units of a wooden ‘kongsi’ house occupied by construction workers near Taman Kian Yap here tonight, affecting an estimated over 50 people, with no casualties reported.

Labuan Fire and Rescue Department director Abdul Rahman Ali said the fire involved two blocks comprising 28 houses, with about 80 per cent of the area affected.

“The fire covered an area of about one hectare and was brought under control at 8.04 pm,” he told Bernama.

The department received an emergency call at 7.13 pm and deployed 17 personnel from the Labuan Sentral and Rancha-Rancha fire stations to the scene.

Firefighters used several fire engines and firefighting equipment to bring the blaze under control, while Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd personnel were also present.

Abdul Rahman said it was the second fire reported at the same location, following a similar incident many years ago.

The number of people affected was an estimate, as the official report had yet to confirm the actual figure.

--BERNAMA