In a shocking incident on Friday, a 48-year-old Indian woman was swallowed by a massive sinkhole that suddenly opened up beneath her feet in Kuala Lumpur’s busy Masjid India neighborhood. The woman, who is believed to be a tourist, was walking with her family when the ground beneath her collapsed, plunging her into an 8-meter-deep abyss.
The sinkhole appeared on a bustling pedestrian street near the iconic Masjid India mosque, a popular area frequented by shoppers and worshippers, especially on Fridays when the mosque hosts weekly prayers.The incident has cast a shadow over the normally vibrant atmosphere of the district, which is nestled between the Klang and Gombak rivers.
Rescue teams, including the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team (STORM) and K-9 units from the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Operation commander Mohd Riduan Akhyar confirmed that the victim was buried underground and that search and rescue operations were in full swing.
Photos from the scene reveal the enormity of the sinkhole, with rescuers using heavy equipment like excavators and ladders to navigate the cavernous pit, which is crisscrossed by utility pipes and shows signs of water flow beneath the surface.
The sudden appearance of the sinkhole comes after heavy rains caused flash floods in parts of the city on Thursday, with the overflowing Klang and Gombak rivers contributing to the instability of the ground in the area. The incident occurred in a part of the city known for its historical significance and modern-day vibrancy, near landmarks like Malaysia’s Independence Square and city hall.
Emergency responders received the first distress call at 8:22 a.m., and within minutes, more than 15 rescuers were on site, battling the clock to reach the woman trapped underground. As the day wore on, the rescue mission intensified, with teams working tirelessly into the afternoon to locate and save the victim.
As the rescue efforts continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature that can disrupt even the most bustling urban environments. The Masjid India neighborhood, usually a symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s lively spirit, now stands as a scene of hope and determination as rescuers fight to bring the woman back to safety.
The sinkhole appeared on a bustling pedestrian street near the iconic Masjid India mosque, a popular area frequented by shoppers and worshippers, especially on Fridays when the mosque hosts weekly prayers.The incident has cast a shadow over the normally vibrant atmosphere of the district, which is nestled between the Klang and Gombak rivers.
Rescue teams, including the Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team (STORM) and K-9 units from the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, were quickly dispatched to the scene. Operation commander Mohd Riduan Akhyar confirmed that the victim was buried underground and that search and rescue operations were in full swing.
Photos from the scene reveal the enormity of the sinkhole, with rescuers using heavy equipment like excavators and ladders to navigate the cavernous pit, which is crisscrossed by utility pipes and shows signs of water flow beneath the surface.
The sudden appearance of the sinkhole comes after heavy rains caused flash floods in parts of the city on Thursday, with the overflowing Klang and Gombak rivers contributing to the instability of the ground in the area. The incident occurred in a part of the city known for its historical significance and modern-day vibrancy, near landmarks like Malaysia’s Independence Square and city hall.
Emergency responders received the first distress call at 8:22 a.m., and within minutes, more than 15 rescuers were on site, battling the clock to reach the woman trapped underground. As the day wore on, the rescue mission intensified, with teams working tirelessly into the afternoon to locate and save the victim.
As the rescue efforts continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature that can disrupt even the most bustling urban environments. The Masjid India neighborhood, usually a symbol of Kuala Lumpur’s lively spirit, now stands as a scene of hope and determination as rescuers fight to bring the woman back to safety.
Source : Times of India
