Putra Heights: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Hussein mentioned that environmental factors, such as underground water movement and natural erosion, are being considered as potential causes for the pipeline rupture. He shared these insights during a press conference at the Incident Control Post (PKTK) in Putra Heights.
The investigation also encompasses operational factors, assessing conditions like excessive pressure, poorly maintained equipment, or overfilling. In terms of safety, authorities are examining any delays in detecting the leak. Hussein emphasized that the police (PDRM), together with relevant technical agencies, are conducting a thorough investigation from multiple angles to determine the cause of the explosion.
Hussein refuted claims that any party was attempting to conceal information about the investigation process at the site. He reassured the public by stating, ‘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.’
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain indicated that while criminal elements and negligence are primary focuses, other contributing factors are being scrutinized. The Petronas gas pipeline fire, which erupted around 8.10 am on April 1, sent flames more than 30 metres into the sky, with temperatures reaching up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, and took nearly eight hours to be completely extinguished.
The explosion resulted in 81 houses being completely destroyed with structural damage exceeding 40 percent, another 81 houses were partially destroyed, 57 were damaged but not burned, and 218 houses remained unaffected.