Putra Heights gas explosion: Cause of blast known this month, say police

New Straits Times

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The cause of the Putra Heights gas explosion, including whether it was triggered by excavation works or others, is expected to be confirmed once investigations by the police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) are completed later this month.
However, Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed the presence of an excavator at the site before the explosion.
"We confirm that an excavator was used for excavation work to install sewer pipes in front of a shop lot that has yet to be completed.
"We believe that when the explosion occurred, the excavator was buried in the crater.
"So, at the end of the restoration works, we will excavate the area to remove it," he said this during an episode of the Podcast Utama titled Bahang Sengsara Putra Heights last night.
Hussein said police will carry out excavation works at the location to verify the excavator's position once samples for the DOSH investigation are collected and Petronas' pipeline repair works are completed.
He added that from the first day of the investigation, the police's forensic team had been re-excavating the pipeline installation area managed by the contractor.
"Previously, the investigation focused on the central area of the pipe.
"We dug up to 16 metres because the explosion had altered the structure and depth of the ground.
"One of the key aspects of the investigation is the excavation work. The police have identified who carried out the work, which contractor was involved, what machinery was used, and the purpose of the work," he said.
He also said that any disturbance to the soil could be detected by the forensic team.
"The forensic team was tasked with examining the extent of soil disturbance or digging.
"We can determine the depth of the excavation based on precise measurements taken.
"The main question is whether the excavation works caused the pipeline to rupture and explode.
"This will be answered through the technical investigations by the police and DOSH," he said.
Hussein added that the investigation also includes the possibility of explosive elements.
"We collected soil samples to determine whether any explosive substances were present that could have triggered the incident.
"For example, if there were old bombs planted or elements of sabotage, all of that is within the scope of the investigation," he said.