KUCHING: A gas leak triggered an explosion and a small fire at a house in Taman Mas Padawan in the early hours today (March 8), leaving one person injured and part of the property damaged.
The incident occurred at about 4.42 am at a residence along Lorong 1 in the residential neighbourhood, prompting an emergency response from the Fire and Rescue Department.
Firefighters from the Siburan fire station were dispatched to the scene, about 22 kilometres away, arriving shortly after 5.00 am.
By the time the team reached the property, the fire had already extinguished itself.
However, the blast had damaged a store area attached to the house and caused the kitchen ceiling to collapse.
A resident sustained minor injuries in the incident, suffering wounds to the eyebrow and leg.
The victim had already been taken to hospital for treatment before firefighters arrived.
According to Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s operation centre, the explosion was believed to have been caused by a gas leak in the storage section of the house which subsequently ignited.
Operational commander PBK II Mustaqiim Ibrahim led the response involving seven firefighters and two emergency vehicles, including a Compact Fire Rescue Tender and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services unit.
Firefighters carried out safety checks at the property to ensure the situation was fully under control and to rule out any further gas leaks that could pose a risk.
The operation was declared under control at 5.07 am and concluded shortly after 5.30 am once officers confirmed the area was safe.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant when handling cooking gas and ensure cylinders and connections are properly maintained to prevent similar incidents.
No other injuries were reported.
