A 12-year-old boy died in a fire that destroyed 30 houses in Kampung Sentosa, Jalan Utara Baru, Tawau, on Wednesday.

The boy, who was autistic, was found by firefighters in a bedroom of one of the affected houses at about 10am, according to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department.

Health Ministry personnel confirmed his death before his body was handed over to the police for further action.

The department received an emergency call at 6.44am and arrived at the scene three minutes later.

The fire initially involved six semi-permanent and non-permanent houses before spreading to other homes.

By 8am, firefighters had brought the blaze under control, with 30 houses reported destroyed. Another 250 houses were saved.

A Perodua Kancil was also completely destroyed.

A total of 48 firefighters took part in the operation, alongside personnel from the police, Civil Defence Force, Rela, armed forces, Health Ministry and other agencies.

Firefighters completed their operation at 10.55am after carrying out checks to ensure there were no remaining hazards that could cause the fire to reignite.