A 40-year-old father and his nine-year-old son died after a house fire broke out in Kampung Tok Jebak, Terengganu, Malaysia, in the early hours of Wednesday (26 August).
The pair were reportedly trapped on the upper floor of the two-storey semi-permanent home as flames spread rapidly through the building. Firefighters later found the father and his nine-year-old son together upstairs.
The blaze destroyed about 70% of the property, according to local media reports. Emergency responders were alerted at about 2.49am and sent 24 firefighters to tackle the fire.
Elderly Woman Rescued From Ground Floor
Three people were believed to have been inside the house when the fire started. A 67-year-old woman managed to escape after being rescued from the ground floor, while the father and his son remained trapped inside.
A relative living next door reportedly rushed into the property to help the elderly woman after neighbours were unable to establish contact with those inside.
Firefighters spent around three hours bringing the blaze under control. The intensity of the fire severely damaged the structure, with responders having to navigate the building’s iron framework to reach the upper floor.
The deceased were identified as 40-year-old Amirul Fahmi and his nine-year-old son, Raihan Yusof. Their bodies were found upstairs, with reports stating that they were holding onto each other when discovered.
Father And Son Had Recently Returned Home
According to family relative Nik Mohd Zain, Amirul had returned to his mother’s home with his son on 25 August after visiting his wife, Nur Izzah, at her family home in Kampung Paloh.
Nur Izzah had reportedly recently completed her postpartum confinement. The father and son were said to have returned to the family home as they prepared to move in permanently and care for Amirul’s mother, whose health had been declining.
Nik said Amirul was the fourth of eight siblings and worked as a photographer and videographer for a restaurant in Kuala Terengganu.
The incident has left relatives and neighbours mourning the sudden loss of the father and child, who had reportedly only recently returned to the property.
Neighbour Heard Screams Before Rushing To Scene
A 46-year-old neighbour, Wan Azri, said he was alerted after hearing his wife screaming about the fire. His home was around 40 to 50 metres from the property.
He rushed over and found two other villagers already attempting to help. They reportedly shouted and knocked on the door repeatedly but received no response.
Wan said the front door was locked from the inside, prompting them to force it open. The relative from the neighbouring home subsequently entered and helped the elderly woman escape from the ground floor.
It was only afterwards that those at the scene learnt that Amirul and Raihan were still upstairs.
Fire Spread Rapidly Through House
Wan recalled that the flames initially appeared to be manageable, but the situation deteriorated quickly as the fire spread throughout the structure.
By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had already caused extensive damage. The rescue operation was further complicated by the condition of the building and the fire’s apparent intensity.
Authorities have not yet released a confirmed explanation for how the fire began. Kuala Terengganu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Azli confirmed that investigations are underway.
Fire investigators are expected to examine the damaged property as part of efforts to establish the cause of the blaze and determine how the fire spread so quickly.
The incident is another reminder of the importance of household fire safety, particularly at night when occupants may have less time to respond to a rapidly developing emergency.
Further information about the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the deaths may be released by Malaysian authorities as inquiries continue.
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