Eight women were injured, one with a broken leg, after a fire broke out at a Batu Ferringhi homestay early this morning.

GEORGE TOWN: Eight women were injured in a fire at a three-storey homestay in Batu Ferringhi early this morning. One victim, aged 31, suffered a broken right leg during the escape.

Seven others, aged between 31 and 32, sustained minor injuries and breathing difficulties from suspected smoke inhalation. All eight women, who were renting the premises, managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 4.46am. A team from the Bagan Jermal station was immediately dispatched to the scene at Pearl Residence.

Assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said the fire involved the ground-floor living room. The affected area measured approximately 140 square metres.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control by 5.20am. It was fully extinguished just 15 minutes later at 5.35am.

The entire firefighting operation concluded at 6.26am. All victims received initial treatment at the scene.

They were subsequently taken to Penang General Hospital for further examination and treatment.

 The Sun Malaysia