KUANTAN – An investigation into the cause of a fire and explosions at two single-storey houses in Jalan Permatang Badak Perdana 2 here early today will cover all aspects, including firecrackers and fireworks, said Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Datuk Wan Mohammad Zaidi Wan Isa.
He said several materials could have caused the explosion.
"We will conduct a detailed investigation to confirm the cause of the explosion. There was a gas cylinder and some fireworks…if it was really caused by fireworks and firecrackers then we need to identify the quantity that triggered such a massive explosion,” he told reporters when met at the scene here today.
A 2-year-old boy was killed and five other people were injured in the fire that occurred at about 3am.
Meanwhile, a witness, Faridah Mamat, 56, said she was cooking for sahur when she heard two loud explosions.
During the second explosion, Faridah said, she rushed out of the house and heard her neighbours shouting for help, but no one dared to get close to the burning house.
“The fire was so big, it felt like I was on a battlefield,” said the trader who has been living in the area for the past eight years. – Bernama, April 28, 2022
