Fire at Johor Baru shopping complex triggers evacuation
JOHOR BARU: “My legs were shaking” — that was how one worker described scrambling down the stairs after thick smoke from a burning car filled the basement of Johor Baru City Square shopping and office complex.
JOHOR BARU: Thick smoke from a burning car engulfed the basement of Johor Baru City Square shopping and office complex, prompting a swift evacuation of shoppers and workers. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene, with 26 firefighters led by operation commanders Suffian Sulaiman and Suhaimi Jamal arriving within six minutes of the initial call.
The blaze, which broke out in Basement Two, forced the evacuation of over 1,000 individuals who found themselves directed to fire assembly points. Three people experienced breathing difficulties and were given initial treatment by firefighters, while two others were not taken to the hospital. There were no fatalities reported. The Johor Fire and Rescue Department received the emergency call at 3.40pm, and operations continued as the cause of the fire and extent of damage remained undetermined.
Social media posts and videos revealed the severity of the situation, with thick black smoke billowing from the lower levels of the complex. The Johor Baru City Square, a renowned shopping destination, houses more than 200 retailers and features 1,250 parking spaces. The complex is currently undergoing an upgrading program in preparation for the next phase of development along the Johor Baru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link.
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