One killed, several injured after air-con compressor explodes at private university in KL
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The dead victim of a KL explosion was a 24-year-old contractor who was working on an air-conditioning unit.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: PEXELS
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KUALA LUMPUR – An explosion at a private university in Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur has resulted in one death and injuries to at least nine people, including four students.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus said on Jan 12 that the dead victim was a 24-year-old contractor who was working on an air-conditioning unit.
“Four students were injured. Two foreign workers, who are canteen workers, suffered light injuries,” he said in a statement on Jan 12.
The police chief, speaking at the scene, stated that the authorities received a call about the incident at 11.40am.
The air-conditioning compressor explosion happened in a maintenance area next to the cafeteria on the fourth floor of the university building.
“The victims sustained various injuries, including burns and injuries from flying debris, as the explosion was powerful enough to damage the walls in the affected area,” he added.
The injured individuals were transported to several nearby hospitals for further treatment, including the University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur Hospital and Sungai Buloh Hospital.
He noted that the area was not crowded with students at the time of the explosion, as many were still on holiday.
He added that the police and the Fire and Rescue Department conducted inspections to mitigate the risk of a secondary explosion.
“So far, the Fire and Rescue Department has confirmed that the area is completely safe, and investigations are still ongoing,” he concluded.
Malaysia’s Higher Education Ministry on Jan 12 ordered the university to conduct a full safety inspection.
In a statement, the ministry extended its condolences to the victims and family members, and said it took a very serious view of the incident.
“As follow-up action, the university has been instructed to conduct an immediate safety inspection of all campus facilities, ensure that the affected area is certified safe by the authorities before being used and provide welfare support – including medical and psychosocial assistance – to all affected victims,” it said.
“The authorities are conducting further investigations and any new information related to this incident will be communicated from time to time.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the development of the incident and will not compromise on safety to ensure a safe and conducive campus environment so the well-being of the higher education community remains protected,” it said. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
