KUCHING: A firefighter sustained a minor leg injury while battling a blaze that razed a plastic manufacturing factory at Mile 4 1/2, Jalan Kong Ping here last night (April 15).
The victim, who is attached to the Padungan fire station, was injured after a metal object pierced his left leg during hose deployment efforts.
It was believed that thick smoke and poor visibility at the scene caused the firefighter to be unaware of the metal object in his path.
He received initial treatment from the emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) unit on-site before being transported to Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) for further medical attention.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said they received a distress call at 9.52 pm regarding the factory fire and deployed teams from the Batu Lintang, Padungan and Tabuan Jaya stations to the scene.
Upon arrival, they found the factory – measuring 85 by 180 square feet – fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters swiftly carried out extinguishing efforts using water from a nearby drain and a water tanker.
An excavator from a nearby factory was also brought in to remove heavy debris, allowing firefighters to safely carry out extinguishing efforts.
The blaze was brought under control at 10.57 pm, followed by overhaul works to prevent any possible re-ignition.
No other injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.
The cause of the fire and losses incurred are still under investigation by the Sarawak Bomba Forensics Unit.
Once the situation was deemed safe, the team wrapped up the operation at 7.45 am this morning (Apr 16) and returned to their respective stations.
