6 Myanmar workers seriously injured when 15 gas cylinders explode

Six foreign Myanmar workers were seriously injured when 15 of 300 gas cylinders stored at a small industry building at Parit Bakar Darat Industrial Park exploded, here, last night.

During the 8.40pm incident, the victims were believed to be illegally transferring the gas from 14 Kg cylinders to 50 Kg cylinders in the building where 300 gas cylinders were stored.

District Fire and Rescue Department senior officer 1, Ismail Mahmod said 18 firemen in two fire engines were deployed to the scene after receiving a distress call at 8.52pm.

"When we arrived, the fire was at its peak and was spreading quickly. We had to use chemicals to cool down the other gas cylinders to prevent them from exploding. We also cordoned the area to avoid any other untoward incidents. The fire was brought under control by 10.50pm," he said.

The victims were rushed to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Centre (HPSF) for treatment in three ambulances.

Meanwhile, HPSF director Dr Selahuddeen Abd Aziz said all the victims were in critical condition since they suffered about 50 percent burns.

"They are warded at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but we do not have any personal details about them because we have yet to receive identification documents from their employer," he told reporters here, today.