Firefighters suspend search at collapsed Melaka shophouse

 They are awaiting confirmation from the owner that all the workers are safe, says Melaka Tengah station chief.

Melaka Tengah fire and rescue station chief K Karuppannan said firefighters are monitoring the scene, as cracking sounds from the structure indicate the possibility of further collapse. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA:

The Melaka fire and rescue department has suspended search and rescue operations at the site of a collapsed two-storey shophouse at Taman Kota Laksamana until the whereabouts of all the workers at the premises are confirmed.

The two-storey shophouse, believed to be under renovation, partially collapsed at about 4.45pm today before a second, larger section caved in at 5.25pm. Two vehicles parked nearby were crushed.

Melaka Tengah fire and rescue station chief K Karuppannan said the department would not risk the safety of its personnel by entering the collapsed structure until it was confirmed whether anyone remained trapped.

“When the team arrived at the scene, they found the building had collapsed. However, we have yet to receive complete information on whether anyone remains trapped.

“The building owner has informed us that all workers managed to get out, but we still need confirmation from the workers who were at the premises when the incident occurred,” Bernama reported him as saying.

Karuppannan said the owner, who is in Kuala Lumpur, was on the way to the site with several workers to help verify the whereabouts of everyone involved.

He said initial information indicated that four workers had been carrying out renovation work at the premises before the incident.

He said the firefighters were monitoring the scene because both the front and rear sections of the building had collapsed, while cracking sounds from the structure indicated a risk of further collapse.

“The structure continues to emit cracking sounds, indicating instability. We do not want to jeopardise the safety of our personnel,” he said. - FMT