GURUN: A soldier, his eight-year-old daughter and their young neighbour were killed while two others were seriously injured when an explosive device exploded at their home in Taman Ria Mesra here about 4.30pm today.
The victims had been identified as Ayob Hashim, 37, who is attached to the Army's Airport Camp in Sungai Petani, his daughter Nor Hidayu Shahirah Ayob, and their five-year-old neighbour Mohd Akif Lokman Mohd Shahrizal.
Ayob's wife Sharifah Haslinda Hashim, 37, and Mohd Akif's mother Zuraidah Mat Rotbi, 30, suffered serious injury and are receiving treatment at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital.
Ayob's five-year-old son Mohamad Idham Shahmi escaped with minor injury.
State Fire and Rescue Department director Ahmad Shahabuddin said firefighters from Guar Chempedak, Yan and Sungai Petani were despatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at 4.57pm.
"Based on the extend of damages, we believe it was caused by an explosive device.
"We have sought help from the police to bring in the bomb squad to check if there are more explosive devices at the scene," he told pressmen at the scene.
The explosion had also destroyed two cars and caused damages to at least 40 houses.