Disabled Teen Dies In Kota Marudu House Fire, Brother Burned In Rescue Attempt

KUALA LUMPUR,May,2026 — A 16-year-old boy with disabilities died in a house fire at Kampung Torintidon in Kota Marudu, Sabah, while his elder brother was injured after attempting to rescue him from the burning home.

The incident happened early Wednesday morning, May 13, at a house in Kampung Torintidon, located along Jalan Kampung Lampada in Kota Marudu. The victim, identified by The Star as Lorex Sindam, was believed to have been trapped inside the house when the fire broke out. His 28-year-old brother, Razani, reportedly rushed into the burning home but was forced to escape after the flames became too intense.

According to reports, Razani suffered burns on his body during the rescue attempt. Villagers later helped send him to Kota Marudu Hospital for treatment.

Kota Marudu Fire and Rescue Station chief Debli Mamoi said the department received an emergency call about the fire at 3.23am. Firefighters were then deployed to the scene, which was about 22 kilometres from the station.

When firefighters arrived at the location at around 4.48am, the house had already been completely destroyed by the blaze. The charred remains of the teenage victim were later found inside the burned structure.

The Borneo Post reported that the teenager was found in one of the bedrooms after firefighters brought the fire under control. The victim’s body was later handed over to police for further action.

Firefighters managed to control the blaze at around 4.56am, while the operation officially ended at 6.53am.

The firefighting operation was not straightforward. Debli said responders faced difficulties because the access road to the scene was unpaved and communication coverage in the village was unstable. The Fire Rescue Tender could only travel up to around 14 kilometres near Sekolah Kebangsaan Lampada before firefighters had to continue using a smaller vehicle.

The tragedy has drawn attention to the challenges faced by emergency responders in rural areas, especially when road conditions and poor communication coverage delay access to fire scenes. In incidents involving wooden or non-permanent residential structures, a delay of even a few minutes can make rescue efforts more difficult because flames can spread quickly.

In this case, the victim’s elder brother reportedly tried to save him before firefighters arrived, but the fire had already become too strong. His attempt highlights the emotional and dangerous situation faced by families during house fires, especially when a vulnerable family member is trapped inside.

The case also shows the importance of early fire detection and emergency preparedness at home. Smoke alarms, clear escape routes, accessible exits and family emergency plans are especially important in homes with children, elderly residents, people with disabilities or anyone who may need assistance during an evacuation.

Authorities have not yet publicly confirmed the cause of the fire. Further investigation is expected to determine how the blaze started and whether any additional safety factors contributed to the tragedy.

For now, the incident remains a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a house fire can turn fatal, particularly in rural locations where emergency response may be affected by road access, distance and communication limitations.

The death of the 16-year-old boy has left the Kota Marudu community mourning, while his brother continues to receive treatment after risking his own life in an attempt to save him.