Jasin: A family of five, including four children, died in a house fire in Kampung Berangan Enam, Umbai here early today. The incident has shaken the local community as tragedy struck in the early hours.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Melaka Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) stated that following a distress call at 1.40 am, 12 firefighters from the Merlimau and Padang Temu fire and rescue stations rushed to the scene. Their swift response, however, could not prevent the tragic loss of life.

Upon arriving at the scene, the firefighters discovered that a semi-permanent house, measuring 20x60 square feet, was 80 per cent engulfed in flames. Preliminary investigations revealed five bodies, comprising an adult man and four children. Another adult man survived the fire, though details of his condition remain unclear.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire and are continuing their investigation to assess the extent of the loss incurred. The community awaits further information as the investigation unfolds.