24-8-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) The search for a 48-year-old South Indian woman who fell into a sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur has been dramatically expanded, with authorities now scouring six manholes in the vicinity of the incident. Vijayaletchumy, who disappeared on Friday morning when a section of pavement collapsed near Malayan Mansion, remains unaccounted for as rescue efforts enter their second day.
Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman, the Dang Wangi OCPD, provided an update on the operation’s progress. “We’ve widened our search to include manholes at key locations: Wisma Yakin, Jalan Melayu, the junction leading to Jalan Melayu, Dataran Merdeka, and near Bank Pertanian on Lebuh Pasar and Jalan Kinabalu,” he informed reporters at the scene.
The search began in earnest at 10:30 am on Saturday, with a firefighter descending into the first manhole in front of Wisma Yakin. Despite thorough examination, no trace of the victim was found. “We’re now investigating the second manhole on Jalan Melayu,” AC Sulizmie stated, adding, “We remain hopeful of locating the victim.”
Given the inherent dangers of the underground network, the search is proceeding with extreme caution. “For the safety of our rescue team, we’re limited to sending one firefighter into each manhole at a time,” the Assistant Commissioner explained. He noted that the manholes are approximately 100 metres apart, with the first being about 100 metres from the original sinkhole.
Authorities have cordoned off the search areas and are urging the public to cooperate fully with the ongoing operation. AC Sulizmie emphasised the potential health risks, advising, “We’re asking visitors and traders near the manholes to steer clear for the time being. There’s a risk of exposure to noxious gases from the sewage system.”
The rescue team is leveraging all available expertise and technology in their efforts to locate Vijayaletchumy. “We’re collaborating with various agencies and are prepared to employ additional technologies if necessary,” AC Sulizmie affirmed. Notably, while a K9 unit was deployed on Friday, it was not utilised on Saturday following unproductive results.
The incident occurred on Friday morning when Vijayaletchumy, who was walking with her family, suddenly plunged into a sinkhole that formed without warning on the pavement. The shocking event has raised concerns about infrastructure safety in the bustling Malaysian capital.
