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A 31-YEAR-OLD woman suffered a broken leg while seven others experienced minor injuries and breathing difficulties after a pre-dawn fire tore through a three-storey homestay at Pearl Residence in Batu Ferringhi on Sunday.
The incident occurred at Solok Sungai Emas in George Town, prompting an emergency response after the Penang Fire and Rescue Department received a distress call at 4.46am.
Assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said firefighters from the Bagan Jermal Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched immediately.
“All eight women, who were renting the premises, managed to escape before firefighters arrived. The fire involved the ground-floor living room, measuring about 140 square metres.
“The blaze was brought under control at 5.20 am and fully extinguished 15 minutes later. The operation ended at 6.26 am,” he said in a statement.
The seven other women, aged between 31 and 32, are believed to have suffered smoke inhalation while fleeing the building. All victims received initial treatment at the scene before being taken to Penang General Hospital for further examination. - March 1, 2026