MIRI: Construction works at the new SK Tudan site here were ordered to stop today (Feb 6) after a suspected gas leak was detected from deep foundation piles, prompting an emergency response by the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
Bomba said it received an emergency call at 10.15 am that reported on gas escaping from two bore holes at the construction site.
A fire engine from the Lutong station was dispatched immediately and arrived at the scene at 10.24 am.
Initial assessment found gas seeping from two pile holes drilled to depths of approximately 33.6 metres and 33.9 metres.
The type of gas could not be immediately identified, according to officers from Sarawak Gas who were also at the site.
As a precaution, all construction activities were suspended following discussions involving Bomba, Sarawak Gas, police, the site contractor and the headmaster of SK Tudan.
The affected area was estimated to cover about 854 square metres.
Miri police issued instructions for work within a 60-metre radius of the affected piles to be halted on safety grounds.
Firefighters erected safety barricades around the site to prevent unauthorised access and reduce risk exposure.
Bomba operations commander, Henry Jugah, said continuous monitoring would be carried out by the Lutong station while awaiting the arrival of a hazardous materials unit from the Bintulu station.
A multi-agency approach has been activated to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Further technical assessment will be conducted before any decision is made to resume work, it stated.
A site inspection involving the Miri Resident’s Office and all relevant agencies is scheduled for 5pm to determine the next course of action.
No injuries were reported.
The operations involved one fire rescue tender and eight personnel from the Lutong station.
Other agencies assisting included six police officers, two Sarawak Gas representatives, two school officials and three representatives from the engineering contractor.
Authorities advised the public to stay clear of the area until further notice.
