Bandar Seri Begawan - Two people sustained minor injuries to their legs after the house they were staying at No 610, Kampong Sungai Besar in Mukim Kota Batu (photo) collapsed in the wee hours of yesterday morning. Seven other people who were fast asleep in the house at the time of the collapse, meanwhile, escaped unharmed.

Recalling the frightening experience, the owner of the house, Awang Haslin bin Awang Omar, 34, told the Weekend Bulletin that it was his father-in-law and mother-in-law who were hurt. They were immediately rushed to RIPAS Hospital for treatment.

It was only six months ago that the family had moved into the 40-foot by 70-foot house, which previously belonged to Haji Aziz bin Hj Untong. The family previously stayed in Kg Terunjing, Berakas.

"It all happened very fast. It wasn't raining at the time but I noticed that there were strong wind gusts and waves," said Awang Haslin. "Without any warning, the house collapsed and water began to gush into the house."

Pg Besar Pg Sulaiman, a neighbour of Awang Haslin, said that he initially thought a car accident had occurred nearby when he heard a loud sound that morning.

"It was only later that my son told me that our neighbour's house had just collapsed," Pg Besar said. "We immediately rushed to the scene to pull our neighbours out to safety"

Awang Haslin and his family are currently staying with relatives in Kg Batu Marang. According to Awang Haslin, the estimated loss to property was around $80,000.

Personnel from the Fire and Rescue Department were called to the scene to render assistance to the victims. Officers from relevant government agencies, including the Community Development Department (JAPEM), were also at the scene to assess the damage and to render assistance.