SANDAKAN: A man died and his younger brother sustained burns after their house was destroyed in a fire in Jalan Batu Sapi Karamunting here this morning.
Jailan Jaimin, 35, who had suffered a stroke, was found charred in the living room by firemen.
His brother, in his 20s, sustained burns on his back, and several other family members escaped unharmed.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department chief Senior Assistant Fire Superintendent Severinus@Mohd Nidzam Sainkui said they received a distress call at 8.41am.
"A team of 15 personnel, including the Emergency Medical Rescue Services unit members, was deployed to the scene, located 12km away.
"By the time the team arrived, the fire had engulfed the house completely.
"Three vehicles were destroyed, including a 10-tonne lorry, a Proton Saga and a Nissan sedan."
He said a charred body was found in the living room.
"The firemen retrieved the remains and handed them over to the police for further action.
"The fire was brought under control at 9.27am and completely extinguished by 11.35am."
The cause of the fire is being investigated.