Fire at Megamall Manado Claims One Life

A fire broke out at Megamall in the Megamas area, Wenang Selatan subdistrict, Wenang district, Manado City, North Sulawesi, on Saturday (16/5). The tragic incident claimed one life.

“The victim has been identified as Priscillia Tamawiwy, 34 years old, female, residing in GPI Paniki Housing Complex, Manado,” said the Head of Public Relations for the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) of North Sulawesi, Nuriadin Gumeleng, in Manado, Sunday (17/5), as quoted by Antara.

Nuriadin stated that on Saturday (16/5) at 9:10 PM local time, the Manado Search and Rescue Office dispatched the USS Manado Rapid Response Team to carry out initial operations to evacuate victims of the fire.

At 12:15 AM local time, the victim was found in Room 2 on the 6th floor of the Megamall building and evacuated while deceased. The victim was then taken to Bhayangkara Hospital of the North Sulawesi Police for further handling.

After the entire search and evacuation process was completed, at 1:30 AM local time, the joint SAR team held a debriefing. The SAR operation was then halted and proposed to be closed.

The Head of Basarnas North Sulawesi, George Mercy Randang, stated that in addition to the fatality, four other victims suffered injuries.

“The total number of victims is 5 people, (with) 4 survivors and 1 deceased,” said George, as quoted by Detik.

Based on information gathered by Detik, all five victims were employees working as staff in various departments, including engineering.

The Manado Police are still investigating the cause of the fire. During the investigation, Megamall Manado will be temporarily closed.