Residents traumatised by explosion that killed three people

Residents living near the house in Taman Ria Mesra 2, here that exploded and killed three people apart from injuring two others yesterday afternoon (Dec 24) were deeply traumatised by the unexpected incident. Mohd Faizal Mat Zain, 37, said his three daughters aged between one and 11 years old were still shocked after the incident, which also destroyed their home. "My children cried and could not sleep at night as they could still remember the tragic incident. I had to calm them down," he told Bernama when met at the scene of the incident, here today. Mohd Faizal, who is self-employed, said five minutes before the incident occurred, he was just leaving his house to go to the shop nearby with his children and wife. He said he rushed back to the house to check on the situation after hearing the loud explosion and strong vibration. "Upon returning home, I found the roof and ceiling of my house had collapsed with glass scattered on the floor. My children have been afraid since," he said. He added, he suffered some RM100,000 in damages to his home due to the explosion. Mohd Faizal said that he and his family are now forced to stay at his brother's house located in the same area. Meanwhile, Nor Hidayatul Amira Kamis, 15, whose house was situated in front of the location of the explosion, said she was still traumatised by the incident and could not sleep last night. The explosion at about 4.45pm killed an army personnel, Ayob Hassim, 34; his eight-year daughter Hidayah Ayob, and his neighbour's son, Afiq Lokman Mohd Sharizal, 5, while Ayob's wife, Sharifah Haslinda Hashim, 30, who is six months pregnant, and neighbour Zuraida Mat Robete, 30, were seriously injured.