By Nancy Nais
BETONG, June 13: A five-year-old boy was burnt to death after being trapped in burning Rumah Polly Sulau, Jalan Lidong at Bukong Asal this morning.
The victim, identified as Rezdesson Carlos Robson, was found among the rubble in the kitchen from house number 11 at 12pm.
The boy’s 25-year-old mother Ency Shaylla and his two-year-old sister Elsa Amanda Robson were rushed to the Betong hospital after sustaining 32.5 and 44.5 per cent burns respectively in the incident.
Operations commander Henry Jugah from Betong Fire and Rescue Station said firefighters found the child’s remains while overhaul work was being carried out.
They received the emergency call from MERS 999 at 9.22am.
According to the caller, by the time he could contact 999 for help, the 11-door longhouse was already burnt to the ground.
A team of 11 firefighters were dispatched to the scene at Jalan Lidong, Bangat, after traveling a distance of about 17km. They also faced challenges in reaching the scene due to narrow and hilly road.
The longhouse, measuring about 50 feet by 220 feet was totally destroyed, leaving 59 residents homeless.
The cause of the fire and total loss are still under investigation. — DayakDaily
