Three children killed as massive Kota Kinabalu fire razes over 200 squatter houses

KOTA KINABALU, Aug 30 — A devastating fire swept through over 200 non-permanent stilt houses in three villages, claiming the lives of three children and leaving authorities scrambling to assess the full extent of the tragedy. The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) confirmed that the victims were Nana Abdullah, a four-year-old; Mohd Asrul Abdullah, six; and Nurfarahdilah Mohd Tajihah, eight.

While the exact number of affected homes and the current status of the deceased are still under verification, JBPM assured that updates will be forthcoming.

The fire erupted early this morning in the bustling squatter settlements of Kampung Lok Buta, Kampung Lok Poring, and Kampung Sabang Lama. Despite the enormity of the blaze, brave firefighters managed to contain the inferno, preventing it from spilling over into adjacent areas. A total of 39 firefighters from the Kota Kinabalu, Lintas, and Penampang Fire and Rescue Stations were mobilized to tackle the emergency, with overhaul operations still ongoing.