No victims were found trapped after a two-storey shophouse undergoing renovation collapsed at Taman Kota Laksamana, Melaka yesterday.
Melaka Fire and Rescue Department director Mohd Zaidi Ma’at said the confirmation was made after search operations were carried out at the scene, along with joint investigations involving police, the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB) and the building owner.
He said fire and rescue personnel thoroughly inspected the collapsed structure and confirmed that no one was involved in the incident.
“Based on investigations with witnesses and the building owner, four workers managed to escape safely before the collapse. They comprised three Bangladeshi men in their 30s and a Rohingya man in his 40s,” he said in a statement.
The collapse involved a 30-by-80-foot shophouse and resulted in two parked vehicles nearby being damaged after being crushed by the falling structure.
Mohd Zaidi said the Fire and Rescue Department concluded its operation at 11.18pm after ensuring the area was safe and no longer posed a threat to the public.
The site was subsequently handed over to MBMB for further action and follow-up measures.
Following the incident, MBMB issued a public notice advising people not to enter the area, cross the safety barrier or approach the building due to the risk of further collapse, falling debris and other potential hazards.
The two-storey shophouse initially collapsed at about 4.45pm before experiencing a second and larger collapse at around 5.23pm.
