The flames tore off the island Pulau Bisa last night, resulting in the death of about twenty five people and a large number of injured people. The fire occurred in the middle of the night. It is believed that the fire may be a result of a gas leak in one of the homes of the refugees. .
There was an emergency rescue mission by the police and the fire department to extinguish the flames. The police are yet to release the final official figures but it is believed that there are a large number of people missing, injured, in critical condition or dead. As the accident occurred in the middle of the night, the emergency crew were unable to reach the island as quickly as possible. The island is about ten minutes off the north-eastern coast of Malaysia. .
"I awoke from the screams and the heavy smoke. I went outside, and there were flames every where. It was very chaotic and people were running all over the place,".
says Phoung, a refugee on the island. She described the accident as traumatic and lost one of her very close friends. .
There is a request for further medical assistance for the injured. The Minister of Health states, "All will be done to help those who are hurt and memorial services will be provided for the deceased." .
It has been reported that the fire was an accident resulting in the destruction of many huts. Due to the wind, the flames quickly jumped from roof to roof. There will be a review board investigating the conditions at the refugee camp to avoid further accidents. .
