KL sinkhole: Divers take turns to enter sewer in search of missing tourist

What happened?

A 25-year-old woman fell into a sinkhole in front of the P. Ramlee Mall in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, KL, at 6 pm on Friday (29 July), where rescue personnel had to take turns to enter a 1.3-meter-diameter sewer to look for her.

The rescue efforts

A 30m tent was set up at the location to manage the rescue operation. The search was temporarily halted due to bad weather until 1.30 am on Saturday (30 July), when a team of 14 divers, including six paramedics, took turns descending into the drain to search for the woman.

Challenges faced by the rescue team

• Strong currents
• Muddy water with zero visibility
• Narrow and winding tunnel

The victim's identity

The victim has been identified as Nor Adilah Mohd Salleh, a resident of Bandar Tun Hussein Onn, Cheras. Her brother said that Nor Adilah was on the way to a nearby convenience store when the incident happened.

Witnesses' accounts

Witnesses said that they saw the woman standing near the sinkhole when the ground beneath her gave way. She fell and was swept away by the strong currents.

The search continues

The search operation is still ongoing, and the authorities are using a drone with thermal imaging to assist in locating the victim. The rescue team is also using sonar equipment to map the sewer system.

KL sinkholes: A history

This is not the first time a sinkhole has appeared in KL. In 2010, a sinkhole caused a bridge to collapse on Jalan Kuari, just 1km away from the latest incident.

Causes of sinkholes

• Erosion of limestone bedrock
• Leaking pipes
• Heavy rainfall