KOTA KINABALU (Jan 5) – A 69-year-old senior citizen tragically lost his life after being found unconscious in a locked car near a housing area along Jalan Bukit Temasu on Sunday.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department, a distress call was received at 10.03 am, prompting a four-man team to rush to the scene.
“The team discovered the man inside a locked Perodua Viva with the engine still running. Using special equipment, they managed to open the car door,” said a department spokesperson.
Medical officers at the scene pronounced the man dead. His body was later handed over to the police for further investigation. The identity of the deceased has not yet been revealed.
This unfortunate incident has raised awareness about the dangers of being trapped in vehicles, especially in confined spaces for extended periods.
Flood Rescues in Sipitang
In a separate incident on the same day, five individuals were rescued from a flood near Kampung Babangkong Masapol, Sipitang.
The Sipitang Fire and Rescue Station received a distress call at 12.20 am and promptly dispatched a team to the affected area.
The victims—comprising a man, a woman, two boys, and a girl—were evacuated safely using a rescue boat. They were sent to a temporary relief centre at the Mesapol mini hall.
“Monitoring efforts will continue in flood-prone areas where water levels remain high,” said the spokesperson.
These back-to-back incidents highlight the importance of public awareness and preparedness during emergencies, whether they involve unexpected weather events or safety in daily routines.