Massive Fire Breaks Out in Johor, Engulfs Four Factories

A significant fire broke out on October 10, 2024, at the Southern Industrial Logistics Clusters (SILC) in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The blaze caused serious injuries to three Bangladeshi workers and damaged several factory units.

The fire started around 11:30 AM, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.

Early Response to the Fire

Mohd Faiz Suleiman, the Operations Commander at the Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue Station, stated that the first distress call came in at 11:33 AM. Within 8 minutes, firefighters from six stations rushed to the scene.

A total of 46 firefighters participated in the effort, bringing multiple fire engines and rescue equipment to tackle the flames.

Photo in courtesy of Liew Chin Tong’s Facebook

Upon arrival, firefighters faced a chaotic scene with four factories fully engulfed in flames. The situation was worsened by flammable materials present at the site, including hazardous chemicals. Reports estimate that 80 to 90 percent of the affected facilities suffered severe damage.

Evacuations

Amid the chaos, three workers managed to escape but suffered serious injuries, covering about 30 percent of their bodies.

Photo in courtesy of Azahan Safetyman’s Facebook video

Their colleagues quickly evacuated them and rushed them to Sultanah Aminah Hospital for urgent medical care. Thankfully, no other injuries were reported in the surrounding area.

Cause of the Fire

Investigators later found that one of the affected factories was used for storing chemicals, including paint thinner and other highly flammable materials.

The explosive vapors likely contributed to the rapid spread of the fire, with multiple explosions reported. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the fire and any potential chemical pollution resulting from the incident.

Health and Safety Measures

As firefighters continued their efforts, authorities issued health warnings to nearby residents, advising them to avoid the smoke, which could contain harmful substances.

Residents were urged to wear protective masks and stay indoors until the situation was deemed safe.

Ongoing Efforts

Firefighting operations continued into the afternoon, with significant efforts focused on containing the flames and preventing further flare-ups.

Local MP Liew Chin Tong assured the community that support would be provided to those affected and that an investigation into the fire’s cause is underway.

Main photo: NST

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