SUBANG JAYA: Firefighters who rushed to the fire scene at Seafield Sri Maha Mariamman temple early this morning were forced to immediately leave the site after realising that they were being attacked by a group of rioters.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Mohammad Hamdan Wahid said the order to retreat was issued by the operation commander when a group of angry mob was seen approaching the fire engine and an Emergency Response System (EMRS) ambulance.
“Firefighters were deployed after receiving a distress call on a car that caught fire at about 1am.
“A fire engine and seven firemen, as well as an EMRS vehicle with its two staff were rushed to the scene.
“Upon arrival, they found themselves surrounded by the rioters who started throwing stones and tried to hurt the staff on duty,” he told a media conference at the Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) today.
Mohamad Hamdan said upon seeing the commotion, the operation commander immediately ordered the staff to retreat.
“It was then that the victim, rescuer Muhammad Adib Mohd Kassim, 24, seated at the front passenger seat of the EMRS vehicle, was dragged out by the rioters.
“The others did not realise this until they reached the Subang Jaya fire station.
“The other rescuers then called his mobile phone. The public who answered the call informed them that the victim had been rushed to the hospital,” he said.
Mohamad Hamdan said the incident had caused dents and damages on parts of the two vehicles, including their windshield and doors.
“The firemen who escaped the site were also traumatised with the incident and called for rehabilitation as they must carry on with their duties.
“Our personnel are ever ready to fulfil their duty. Following this incident, we may have to plan an operation coordination with the authorities, especially the police,” he said.
Muhammad Adib, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of SJMC, suffered major internal injuries and bone fractures and was reported in critical condition.
He was being placed under continuous supervision of five specialists and is still on life support.