PENAMPANG: An elderly man was burnt to death, while his wife was severely burnt after their residence in Kampung Gunsing Novunsu, here, caught fire, early this morning.

In the incident that morning, the victim, Godfrey Tozuu Moligan, 90 died at the scene while his 89-year-old wife, Josepha Lojikim, was reportedly burnt on the face and body.

Four other family members,  Claulis Tozuu, 68; Charlene Peter @ Peteh; Cassella Peter, 33; and Rojianah Taimpim, 35, living in the same house, suffered no injuries.

Penampang Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief, Zainal @ John Radsung, said they received an emergency call at 3.16am.

He said a team of 10 members and officers were deployed to the scene along with machinery and tank trucks.

"The operation was also assisted by the BBP Kota Kinabalu dan Lintas.

"As soon as we arrived at the scene, the fire had burned more than half of the house and an immediate extinguishing operation was carried out to control the fire from spreading further," he said when contacted, today.

Zainal said the fire was brought under control at 4.24 am before being extinguished a few minutes later.

"Once the fire was successfully extinguished, the fire brigade then carried out an operation to remove the victim from a bedroom in the house.

"The seriously injured woman was sent to Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, for further treatment," he said.

Zainal said the operation ended completely at 5.56am.

The cause of the fire and the amount of losses are still under investigation.