KOTA KINABALU: A one-year-old boy was killed in a fire at a shophouse in Sandakan on Friday (Oct 29) night.

       The Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department received the distress call at 11.09pm on Friday about a blaze at a third floor unit of Block 23, Jalan Tiga at the town centre.

       "The 20' x 40' foot space was completely burnt down and the team found the charred remains of the toddler in the bedroom. The body has been handed over to the police for further action," said the district Fire and Rescue spokesperson.

       The operation ended at 12.56am, the spokesperson added.

       It is learnt that the toddler was cared for by his aunt as his parents are not in town.