Durian seller dies after suffering electric shock in Kota Belud fire

KOTA KINABALU: A durian seller died after falling unconscious from an electric shock while trying to escape a burning hut in Kota Belud district on Tuesday (Aug 20).

The 67-year-old, identified as Latihim Baling Kok, was said to have touched live wires as she was fleeing the hut.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department station chief for Kota Belud, Muhammad Syazwan Latun, said the woman had been taken to the hospital before their arrival.

“We were later informed by the hospital that the woman has passed away,” he said when contacted.

He said they received a call about the fire at Kg Polumpung Malangkap at around 2.39pm and arrived at the scene, some 29km from the station, shortly after.

The hut was already engulfed in flames, and firemen brought the fire under control at around 3.29pm. Operations on site ceased at 3.32pm.