KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 — In addition to negligence and possible criminal elements, the 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 the 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
"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 told a press conference at the Incident Control Post in Putra Heights today.
Hussein stressed that the police, together with relevant technical agencies, are conducting a comprehensive investigation from multiple angles to determine the cause of the explosion.
He 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,” Hussein said.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said 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 8.10am on April 1 sent flames more than 30 metres into the sky, with temperatures soaring to 1,000°C. 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
