JOHOR BARU: A 48-year-old man was killed after being buried under about one metre of soil while searching for gemstones near a water tank in Taman Kedidi, Pasir Gudang, today.
Jamaluddin Wahab, from Taman Cahaya, Masai, was searching for gemstones with a friend at Jalan Kedidi 26 when the soil collapsed on him.
His friend escaped unhurt and alerted the authorities.
Pasir Gudang Fire and Rescue Department station chief Firdaus Ahmad said a distress call was received at 10am. Seventeen rescuers from the Pasir Gudang and Johor Jaya stations were dispatched to the scene.
"The search and rescue operation was suspended at 11.46am due to heavy rain.
"The operation later resumed using specialised equipment, hoes and shovels," he said when contacted.
Firdaus said the victim was extricated at 12.33pm and pronounced dead by medical personnel.
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