Quick Response Averts Disaster at Prominent Shopping Center
KUCHING: A potential disaster was averted May 1 at a prominent shopping mall in Kuching city center when a fire erupted on a moving walkway, commonly known as a travelator.
The incident occurred around 5:30 pm, as a small fire broke out at one end of the walkway, linking the lower ground floor to the first parking level.
Emergency Response Team to the Rescue
Prompt action by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) within the mall swiftly contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further. Firefighters from Padungan and Batu Lintang stations rushed to the scene following a distress call.
Upon arrival, they found that the flames had already been extinguished by the mall’s ERT, who utilized 12 fire extinguishers to tackle the blaze.
Investigation Ongoing
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.
Safety Measures Implemented
In light of the incident, the mall’s management issued a statement expressing regret over the occurrence and reassured the public that no injuries were reported.
“To ensure the safety of all patrons and employees, all businesses on the lower ground floor have been temporarily closed to facilitate a thorough investigation,” the management stated.
Precautionary Measures and Community Assurance
As investigations continue, the mall has pledged to implement additional safety measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
The community has also been urged to remain vigilant and report any safety concerns promptly.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust emergency response protocols and the need for continuous vigilance to ensure public safety.