| Abdul Hakiim Yakof |
A FAMILY of eight escaped unscathed, after their wooden house in Kampong Sungai Matan collapsed into the Brunei River at around 6.15am, yesterday.
Six personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department, led by ASO Yussof bin Haji Mohammad, were immediately despatched to the scene, following a distress call at 6.26am.
An investigation by the Fire and Rescue team determined that the structure was unsafe for entry, as the river level was at high tide at the time.
The house belonged to Haji Hasbi bin Matyassin, who lived there with his wife, mother, daughter, two sons and a granddaughter.
In an interview with the Bulletin, Haji Hasbi’s daughter, Haslinda, said that the house collapsed seconds after they heard creaking sounds.
“When it fell into the water, it didn’t collapse entirely. Alhamdulillah, nobody was badly hurt. Our neighbour was waiting for us outside with a boat, so we swam towards it.
“Meanwhile, my two brothers, who were in another section of the house, rescued our father with their boat.”
Her aunt was staying over for the weekend, when the incident occurred.
Relatives and neighbours assisted the family with their belongings, but were unable to do much as the electricity to the house was still connected, creating a risk of electrocution.
The home of Haji Hasbi bin Matyassin is seen partially submerged. – HAJI HASBI BIN MATYASSIN
“The Marine Fire and Fescue arrived in less than 15 minutes to monitor and report on the incident, while personnel from the Department of Electrical Services arrived at 9am, to cut off the electricity so that we could move some of our personal belongings,” said Haslinda.
One of the family members required treatment from a paramedic on the scene, after sustaining minor injuries.
Meanwhile, representatives from the Community Development Department (JAPEM) have approached the family to gather information and enquire on a temporary shelter for them.
Haslinda said that her family will probably take up temporary shelter with their neighbours, or with relatives.
“I believe that our house collapsed due to soil erosion from the recent rains,” she said, adding, “We have been living there since 1994, so it is a very old house.”
The family is also hoping for assistance from members of the public, as they are concerned about posing a burden to the neighbours and relatives through their temporary living arrangements.
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