Malaysia prepares mass burial for school fire victims
15 Sep 2017 4:55 PM GMT
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian authorities are preparing a mass burial for victims of a fire at a private Islamic boarding school, which has sparked outrage and renewed calls for proper regulation of religious schools.
Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah says all 23 victims, mostly young boys burnt beyond recognition, have been identified through DNA tests. At least a dozen graves have been dug at an Islamic cemetery outside Kuala Lumpur for the burial later today.
The pre-dawn blaze yesterday at a three-story building blocked the lone exit to the boys' dormitory on the top floor, trapping them behind barred windows. Officials said the school was operating without a fire safety permit and license.
At the Raudhatul Sakinah cemetery on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, a 1,000-strong crowd of mourners fell silent as the first body - of 10-year-old Mohamad Aidil Aqmal - arrived in a hearse. He was solemnly lowered into a grave before his family sprinkled scented water onto his final resting place.
The remains of another eight schoolboys arrived soon afterwards in hearses and were buried. Another three children were to be buried at the same site, while the other victims were to be buried at different cemeteries. Before being transported to the cemetery, final prayers were said for the victims.
Next Story
