AUTHORITIES PROBING MULTIPLE FACTORS IN PUTRA HEIGHTS GAS EXPLOSION - POLICE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- In addition to negligence and possible criminal elements, authorities are also focusing on mechanical, environmental, operational, and safety factors in the investigation into the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya.

Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said the investigation into mechanical aspects includes examining the possibility of structural collapse, corrosion, or damage caused by human activity.

“We are also looking into environmental factors, such as underground water movement and natural erosion, which could have caused the pipe to rupture,” he told a press conference at the Incident Control Post (PKTK) in Putra Heights today.

As for operational factors, we are assessing whether there was excessive pressure, poorly maintained equipment, or overfilling. The safety aspect involves examining any delays in detecting the leak,” he added.

Hussein stressed that the police (PDRM), together with relevant technical agencies, is conducting a comprehensive investigation from multiple angles to determine the cause of the explosion.

Hussein also dismissed claims that any party was attempting to conceal the investigation process at the site.

“There is no reason or benefit in hiding any facts about this incident. I am providing regular updates on what is happening at the site, and we have also shared video footage of the ongoing work by the relevant agencies,” he said.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain stated that while criminal elements and negligence are key areas of focus, other contributing factors are also being examined.

The Petronas gas pipeline fire that broke out around 8.10 am on April 1 sent flames more than 30 metres into the sky, with temperatures soaring to 1,000 degrees Celsius. It took nearly eight hours for the blaze to be fully extinguished.

The incident left 81 houses completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 per cent, another 81 houses partially destroyed, 57 damaged but not burned, and 218 houses unaffected.

-- BERNAMA