Masjid India sinkhole: Victim believed to have been swept away by strong currents

KUALA LUMPUR - The woman, an Indian national, who fell into a sinkhole at Jalan Masjid India, here, today is believed to have been swept away by a strong underground current.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa said the search and rescue (SAR) operation for the 48-year-old victim required careful planning due to the involvement of public infrastructure.

He said there was a strong water flow underground and although the SAR efforts have covered the downstream areas, the victim has not been found yet.

"We are proceeding with the SAR in stages and have discussed with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) and other relevant agencies the infrastructure plan because we cannot act recklessly.

"I was informed that if we shut down the pipes or drains, there might be a risk of flooding in the area," he told reporters at the scene, today.

Rusdi added that several factors needed to be considered, including the gas conditions underground.

Therefore, he said every action taken must be strategic and well-planned to ensure everyone's safety.

Earlier, at least four excavators were at the scene to conduct digging operations around the sinkhole.

The search operation has now entered its 10th hour since the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 8.22am.

Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Rozihan Anwar Mamat said the digging operation was being carried out to expand the search area for the victim who fell into the sinkhole.

He explained that the victim, along with some family members had visited Malaysia for nearly two months and was planning to fly back to India tomorrow. - AWANI