KUALA LUMPUR: The blaze which destroyed the three-storey Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah Tahfiz Centre in Datuk Keramat here began in one of the dormitory rooms on the third floor.
The room, measuring 20x40 feet, was 100 per cent damaged and littered with charred bodies, according to the Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department.
As of 6.26am, at least 15 charred bodies were found on the second floor.
A spokesman said four departments from the area, namely the Keramat Fire and Rescue Department, the KLCC Fire and Rescue Department, the Wangsa Maju Fire and Rescue Department and the Hang Tuah Fire and Rescue Department joined in the firefighting operation.
In total, 36 members of the force were involved.
The spokesman said they received a call about the incident at 5.41am.
The first fire engine arrived at the location at 5.52am, and firefighters described the blaze as huge and raging at the time.
The fire was brought under control at 6.15am, but at 6.19am, firefighters reported of a trapped individual in one of the school’s rooms.
It is understood that rescuers managed to save five to six individuals during the blaze.
The total number of victims has yet to be confirmed.