Massive Factory Fire Injures Ten, Four Suffer Burns
BINTULU, SARAWAK – A terrifying factory fire at Samalaju Industrial Park, Bintulu, left ten people injured yesterday evening, with four suffering burns. The fire, which erupted in a foreign-owned factory, was accompanied by large explosions, fireballs, and thick plumes of smoke that were visible from a distance, triggering widespread concern and panic among the local community.
Eyewitnesses Capture Shocking Scenes
The dramatic incident was caught on video by several eyewitnesses who quickly shared the footage on social media. The videos show fireballs shooting into the sky, followed by the rapid spread of thick, black smoke engulfing the area. These recordings have since gone viral, highlighting the magnitude of the fire and raising alarms about safety protocols in industrial operations within the region.
Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Swift Response
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre (PGO), the emergency services were alerted to the fire at 6.24 pm. The Samalaju Fire and Rescue Station team responded with remarkable speed, arriving at the scene just four minutes later, at 6.28 pm.
Despite the quick response, the fire was already being managed by the factory’s Emergency Response Team (ERT). The ERT successfully brought the fire under control before the arrival of the fire department, limiting the potential for further damage and injuries. However, the fire department remained on standby at the scene until the situation was fully stabilized.
Lack of Information Hinders Fire Department’s Efforts
One of the challenges faced by the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department during the incident was the lack of detailed information provided by the factory’s management. The factory owner did not disclose the identities or conditions of the injured, nor were they willing to share photographs or additional details about the incident. This lack of transparency made it difficult for the emergency services to fully assess the situation and provide comprehensive assistance.
Cause of Fire Linked to Factory’s Bottom Reactor
Initial investigations revealed that the fire originated from the factory’s bottom reactor. The exact cause of the reactor fire is still under investigation, but it is clear that the incident had the potential to escalate rapidly, given the factory’s industrial setting and the presence of hazardous materials.
Injured Victims Rushed to Bintulu Hospital
All ten injured individuals were swiftly transported to Bintulu Hospital for further treatment. The extent of the injuries has not been fully disclosed, but it has been confirmed that four of the victims suffered burns. The condition of these burn victims remains a concern, and they are currently receiving specialized medical care.
Fire Under Control by 7 PM
Thanks to the joint efforts of the factory’s ERT and the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, the fire was under control by 7 pm. However, the incident has raised significant concerns regarding industrial safety standards and emergency response preparedness in the region.
Calls for Improved Industrial Safety Standards
The factory fire in Samalaju Industrial Park is a stark reminder of the potential dangers inherent in industrial operations. This incident has prompted local authorities and safety experts to call for a thorough review of safety protocols and emergency response procedures in factories across Sarawak.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Industrial Safety
The Bintulu factory fire serves as a wake-up call for the entire industrial sector in Sarawak. With ten people injured and the potential for far greater disaster narrowly avoided, it is imperative that factory owners, managers, and regulatory bodies take immediate action to enhance safety measures, ensure transparency during emergencies, and protect the lives of workers and the surrounding community.