Woman falls into 8m-deep sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, rescue operation under way
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It is understood that the victim, an Indian national, was walking in the area when the incident occurred.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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KUALA LUMPUR – A 48-year-old woman fell into a sinkhole that was 8m deep after a section of the sidewalk caved in, in Jalan Masjid India, near Malayan Mansion on Aug 23.
It is understood that the victim, an Indian national, was walking in the area when the incident occurred.
The woman’s husband and a group of women in sarees were seen sitting near the site of the incident. They were observed asking the authorities if there was hope of finding the woman.
“I was walking and suddenly she was gone,” said a woman who was present when the 48-year-old fell into the sinkhole.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department operations room received a distress call at about 8.20am. About 15 firemen from two fire stations were dispatched to the scene.
Operation commander Mohd Riduan Akhbar said upon arrival at the site that rescuers discovered the victim had fallen into a sinkhole following the cave-in.
“Search and rescue operation is currently being conducted.
“The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia and K9 unit are at the location,” he added.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department operations room received a distress call at about 8.20am.
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Meanwhile, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said the city’s drainage and sewerage system should be checked thoroughly to ensure there are no issues underground.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, he said precautions were necessary as the area was a popular tourist attraction.
“Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) should find out if there are leakages in the drains not only because of this incident but also for the future.
“If there are issues, rectification works must be carried out,” he said.
He added that some 200 officers from DBKL, the police, Fire and Rescue Department and other agencies have been deployed for the operation. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
