Mochalicious

A FIRE broke out in a scrap metal depot in Butterworth, Penang. But the staff of Bright Star Metal Enterprise had to fight not just fire, but suspected burglars as well.

The incident happened at 7pm on Saturday, reported Guang Ming Daily.

Seven depot staff were in the office when they saw that a heap of scrap metal outside had caught fire.

They called the fire brigade which arrived soon after.

While everyone was preoccupied with putting out the fire, a group of men saw an opportunity to benefit from the chaos.

Their aim was to steal piles of copper wire and other metal parts from the depot.

GUNNY SACKS

Using gunny sacks for cover, they risked their lives and sneaked into the depot.

Eventually, they were spotted by depot staff who confronted them.

A scuffle soon broke out between both groups. As the police had yet to arrive, the situation turned chaotic.

At that point, the invaders were outnumbered, but they ran out to get help, and soon their reinforcements arrived.

Firemen, some of whom were part of a volunteer brigade, found themselves playing peacemakers between both groups. But, to no avail.

A mass brawl ensued. Besides using their fists, both groups used the metal objects lying around to hurl at each other.

In the melee, a man was hurt when he was struck on the head with an old metal fan.

Sin Chew Daily reported that the 29-year-old had a broken nose, and was taken to hospital.

The scuffle finally stopped when a loud explosion took place.

Fearing another explosion, both groups ran further away to keep a safe distance from the fire.

An official of the Bagan fire brigade told Guang Ming Daily that the authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. He said that besides scrap metal, the depot also had plastic objects strewn about.

Meanwhile, both groups have lodged police reports.

Butterworth police said the man who was hit by the fan has been suffering from mental illness. Both groups have reached a private settlement.

The police did not make any arrests. But the speed of the police response displeased Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Boon Poh.

He told Sin Chew Daily: 'The police had received reports that there was a fight at the scene of the fire. But still, they were nowhere to be seen even 20minutes after the call was made.'

Source : http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/st...49040,00.html?