Sinkhole incident: Six manholes opened in stages during expanded SAR op, say cops


KUALA LUMPUR: The search and rescue (SAR) operation has been expanded to include six manholes near the sinkhole location where 48-year-old Vijayalaksmi from South India fell.

Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Sulizme Affendy Sulaiman said the manholes are located at Wisma Yakin, Jalan Melayu, junction to Jalan Melayu, Dataran Merdeka and Bank Pertanian near Lebuh Pasar and Jalan Kinabalu.

"At 10.30am today, a fireman went down into the manhole in front of Wisma Yakin but he did not find the victim or any leads.

"We are in the midst of searching the second manhole on Jalan Melayu. Let's pray that we will find the victim," he told reporters at the scene on Saturday (Aug 24).

ACP Sulizme Affendy said the search at the manholes have to be done in stages, to limit the risk to rescuers.

"For safety reasons, we can only lower one fireman for each manhole.

"The first manhole near Wisma Yakin is about 100m from the sinkhole and each other manhole is about 100m apart from each other," he said.

ALSO READ: Currents hinder search for woman

He reminded those around the SAR areas to give their full cooperation to the authorities.

"We also advise visitors and traders near the manholes to avoid the locations for the time being as we don't want them to inhale any poisonous gas from the sewage system," he said.

ACP Sulizme Affendy said rescuers are using every expertise and technology available.

"We are also getting assistance from other agencies as well.

"We will consider the use of other tech if the news arises," he said.

While yesterday the K9 unit was deployed, he said the unit was not used today as yesterday's search (using the K9 unit) did not yield any positive result.

On Friday (Aug 23) morning, the victim was walking with her family when a piece of the pavement near Malayan Mansion caved in, plunging her into the sinkhole.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Kyiv accuses Russia of launching intercontinental ballistic missile attack
Fireman rescue 40 people trapped by water surge in Kelantan
Female engineer charged in court for using position to award tender
Over RM23mil in arrears owed by federal land development agencies, says Kelantan MB
Over 40,000 illegal immigrants held as of Nov 13
Hassan Karim called up before PKR's disciplinary board over 5G network deal comments
Bus lanes in Penang lauded but some businesses cry foul
Traders acquitted of weapons possession, kidnapping charges
Not enough engagement with us on Gig Workers’ Economy Bill, says industry players
Melaka Health Department shuts two hotel kitchens for rat droppings and cockroaches

Others Also Read