JB City Square Mall Fire

A car fire broke out in the basement carpark of Johor Bahru City Square, causing breathing difficulties for three women, including a Singaporean, and damaging 10 cars. The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

JB City Square Mall Fire
Photo: The Straits Times

A fire broke out in the basement carpark of Johor Bahru City Square at 3:40pm on October 6, causing breathing difficulties for three women, including Singaporean Tan Lee Huang, 57.

The blaze originated from a sport utility vehicle before spreading to nearby vehicles, with eight cars completely destroyed and two others sustaining damage.

Firefighters from the Larkin and Tebrau fire and rescue stations arrived at the scene six minutes after the emergency call was made, using two 90m hose lines connected to the building's fire protection system to contain the blaze.

Three women, including Tan Lee Huang, suffered breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, with one victim sent to Hospital Sultanah Aminah for further treatment.

The operation involved 26 personnel equipped with three Fire Rescue Tender vehicles and two Emergency Medical Rescue Services units, with rescue personnel conducting a thorough search of the parking area to ensure no other individuals were trapped.

The cause of the incident and the total losses are still under investigation, with the operation ending at 8:37pm.

Mall workers and shoppers were evacuated from the building, with photographs and videos of the incident posted on social media showing thick black smoke billowing from the carpark entrance.

Key facts

  • Three women, including a Singaporean, suffered breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation.
  • 10 cars were damaged in the fire, with eight completely destroyed.
  • The blaze originated from a sport utility vehicle.
  • The cause of the incident is still under investigation.

Three perspectives

Neutral

The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in public buildings, with an investigation underway to determine the cause of the blaze. The affected individuals are receiving medical attention, and the mall is expected to resume normal operations soon. Further updates on the investigation are expected in the coming days.

Positive

The prompt response from firefighters and emergency services helped to contain the blaze and prevent further damage, with no fatalities reported. The incident highlights the importance of regular fire safety checks and emergency preparedness in public buildings.

Negative

The fire has raised questions about the safety and maintenance of the mall's carpark, with some expressing concerns about the potential for similar incidents in the future. The investigation will need to determine the cause of the blaze and identify measures to prevent such incidents from occurring again.

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