Elderly man hurt in LPG explosion in Sibu Jaya

SIBU (Jan 30): A liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) explosion occurred inside a house in Sibu Jaya here, leaving a 75-year man with burn injuries and causing about 30 per cent damage to the structure.

Sibu Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) Zone 4 chief Andy Alie said that a distress call was received at 3.31pm, prompting firefighters to be deployed from the Sibu Jaya station to the location, approximately 2km away.

“Upon arrival, the operations commander found that there were signs of the small explosion being caused by a leak in the LPG cylinder adapter.

“The elderly male, who was injured as a result of the explosion, had been rushed to Sibu Hospital by his family members before the arrival of firefighters,” he said.

It is informed that there are five occupants of the house: one adult man, one adult woman, one elderly man, one elderly woman, and a teenage boy.

Andy said the firefighters inspected the kitchen, bedroom, and the compound outside.

“They then carried out ventilation by opening the windows and doors of the house, before inspecting the LPG cylinder and removing it outside to ensure that there was no more leakage,” he said.

After ensuring the situation was safe and all necessary checks were completed, the firefighters returned to the station.

The operation ended at 4.02pm.