Man killed in gas explosion

SIBU: A 33-year-old man was killed when large tanks of acetylene and oxygen kept in a store room in Jalan Lanang here exploded.

The deceased, identified as Mohd Ariffin Bayang died on the spot. The explosion was so forceful that it also shattered glass panels of the the storeroom windows.

The blast shocked many people who stay not far far from the scene.

Deputy district police chief Supt Martin Khoo said the incident reportedly occurred during lunch break and police were still investigating it.

The acetylene and oxygen gases are for welding purpose.

“As of now we are not sure how it happened and why the gas tanks exploded.

“We are also not sure why the man was at the store at that time as he was supposed to take his break for lunch,” he said.

Supt Martin also said that police had also yet to confirm whether the victim was a worker at the store.

“We are still looking for eye-witnesses to assist us in our investigation,” he added.