KUALA TERENGGANU: Despite his age and poor health, 82-year-old courageous Jusoh Muda tried to save his wife from a fire which destroyed three houses at Kampung Losong Haji Su here today.
Jusoh, however, failed to save his 79-year-old wife Fatimah Mohd, due to his limited mobility. He sustained burns on his back and legs in the 10.35am fire that killed his wife.
Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Md Hilman Ab Rashid said Jusoh suffered about 30 per cent burns and was currently being treated at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ).
"We received a distress call at 10.39am and deployed 35 firemen and four fire engines from the Kuala Terengganu and Jalan Kota stations to the scene.
"When we reached the fire site, we saw that Jusoh's house was already 80 per cent burnt," he said, adding that firemen took about 10 minutes to bring the fire under control and completely doused it 30 minutes later.
"The elderly couple's house was completely destroyed, while the two other houses were about 50 per cent burnt," he said when met at the scene.
He said Fatimah's charred remains were later found inside the house and were handed to the police for further action.
"The cause of the fire and estimated losses are still under investigation," he added.
Meanwhile, Bandar State Assemblyman Ahmad Shah Muhamed said the state would provide necessary aid to the three families affected by the Kampung Losong Haji Su fire today.
"On behalf of the state government, we extend our condolences to those affected. We will be contacting them to check if they need any assistance, including providing them with temporary housing facility.