Tahfiz school fire: Sombre mood engulfs HKL as family members arrive

KUALA LUMPUR: A sombre mood was felt at the hospital today as families and next-of-kin waited for news on their children's fate.
Shelafaza Abdul Razak, who had rushed from work following a call from her younger sister at 10am, could not contain her sadness at the possibility of the loss of her nephew.
"I wish I could see him because his name is not listed (as dead)," she said when met outside the hospital's morgue.
"I remember him entering the school since he was three years old. He is now 16. I met him at the last Hari Raya festivities," she said.
She added that she was there to lend moral support.
Security was tight at the morgue as a second police truck drove in with remains wrapped in white shrouds at 11am.
It is learnt the first truck arrived earlier with 12 remains.
Neighbours who heard the children's cries at about 5.40am were unable to help as the fiery blaze kept them at bay.
Hazin Manan, 64, said he heard the cries from the top-most floor of the three-storey premises but was unable to provide any assistance.
"I heard them shouting for help, and within 20 minutes, the blaze was at its peak. I heard three explosions just before fire and rescue personnel arrived.
"Upon the third explosion, the screams and cries were no longer heard.
"I wanted to help but there was no way to enter the premises," Hazin told reporters.
Khairatu Alias, 30, said her roommate woke her up and informed her about the blaze.
"I thought the screams for help was a dream.
"When I looked out of my window, I saw shadows struggling to exit the school and some of them even jumped out of the window.
"I immediately informed the Fire and Rescue Department," she said.