Mega Mall Manado Fire Victim Died Due to Smoke Inhalation

The north side of Mega Mall in the Megamas area of Manado City, was on fire on Saturday (16/5). In the incident, one person died. ANTARA/HO-Polda Sulut

JAKARTA - The head of the Health Office of the North Sulawesi Police, AKBP dr TasrifMARS, confirmed that the victim died during the Mega Mall fire in the Megamas area of Manado City, North Sulawesi, not because of direct burns, but because of the inhalation of toxic gas during the fire.

"The victim is suspected of inhaling thick smoke from the fire containing carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) gas. These toxic gases are what trigger the occurrence of respiratory failure leading to death," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Monday, May 18.

The forensic team found peeling abrasions and darkening effects on several parts of the body such as the forehead, face, neck, hands, stomach, and feet, but the total area of the burn was confirmed to be less than 20 percent.

After the examination and identification at the Bhayangkara Level III Hospital in Manado, the body of the victim of the Mega Mall Manado fire incident was handed over to the family.

Based on the external examination and belongings attached to the victim's body, the victim's identity was named Pricilia Nelly Tamawiwy (34), working as an employee of Mega Mall Manado and has an address in Melonguane Barat Village, Melonguane District, Talaud Regency.

The body arrived at the Forensic Department of Bhayangkara Hospital, Manado, using an ambulance on Sunday (17/5), at around 00.57 Wita.

The identity was strengthened by the nametag that was still hanging on the victim's neck when he was evacuated.

After the outside examination process was completed, the family stated that they refused to conduct an in-depth autopsy and had signed an official refusal letter.

"Medical officers have bathed and embalmed the body. All personal belongings of the victim have also been handed back intact to the family. At 05.00 Wita, the body was immediately taken by the family to be sent home," he said.

The fire incident that hit one of the largest shopping centers in Manado occurred on Saturday (16/5) evening.

Until now, the police are still conducting an investigation, by deploying the Bid Labfor and Inafis Team to find out the cause of the fire.