Two workers suffered first-degree burns after a boat they were servicing caught fire in Teluk Kumbar, Penang, with a spark from a battery installation blamed.
GEORGE TOWN: Two workers suffered burns after a boat they were servicing suddenly caught fire at a land parking area along Jalan Pasir Belanda in Teluk Kumbar.
The two men, aged 26 and 40, sustained first-degree burns to their heads and hands while attempting to extinguish the flames themselves.
The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 12.58 pm and dispatched fire engines to the location.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the boat, which was undergoing maintenance, about 50% damaged by the fire.
Operations Division assistant director John Sagun Francis said extinguishing works were carried out using two initial attack hose lines, assisted by the nearby Volunteer Fire Brigade.
“Preliminary information indicated that the boat had been parked there for a long time,” he said in a statement.
John explained that during the process of installing a battery, a spark occurred and ignited residual oil located nearby.
The fire was fully extinguished at 1.27 pm and overhaul works were completed about an hour later.
Both victims were given initial treatment by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society team at the scene before being sent to Penang Hospital for further treatment.
