KOTA KINABALU: A man is believed to have tried to buy himself some time by hiding in the bathroom as a fire engulfed his home. He did not make it.

       Abdul Rahman Abu, 38, was killed in Bongawan, with his charred remains found in the bathroom after the 3am fire yesterday.

       Kimanis Fire and Rescue station chief Johainin Ruslan said according to neighbours, the house was already about 70% in flames by the time they noticed it and alerted the authorities.

       “They tried screaming to determine if the man was inside or if they could help, to no avail,” he said when contacted.

       Due to the location of the body, the victim could have been trying to save himself in the wet bathroom.

       State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Misran Bisara said they received a distress call at 3.26am about the fire at Kg Nyaris-Nyaris and two teams comprising firemen from the Kimanis and Beaufort fire stations were dispatched to the scene.

       Upon arrival, the house was already almost razed. Abdul Rahman’s body was discovered after the fire was put out.

       Meanwhile in Lahad Datu, firemen were alerted to an accident along Jalan Silam Taman Maju.

       Tan Khin Hoe, 35, was behind the wheel of a 4WD when he crashed into a road divider just past 4am.

       Misran said an emergency call was received at 4.53am and a rescue team rushed to the scene.

       “Medics pronounced the victim dead at the scene,” he added.