One dead, another injured in welding explosion at Melaka recycling centre

 

Firemen at the scene following the explosion. - Pic courtesy of Fire and Rescue Dept.

MELAKA: One man was killed and another injured in an explosion during welding works at a waste recycling centre in Bukit Rambai Industrial Park here today.

Melaka Fire and Rescue Department public relations officer Mohd Hafidzatullah Rashid said the 44-year-old man died at the scene after suffering burns covering 90 per cent of his body in the 1.30pm incident.

"Another man, aged 32, sustained burns to five per cent of his body and was taken to Melaka Hospital for further treatment," he said in a statement.

Mohd Hafidzatullah added that the department received an emergency call at 1.32pm and dispatched a team of 11 personnel from the Tangga Batu Fire and Rescue Station to the scene.

Upon arrival six minutes later, the team found that the explosion had involved a Cranking Unit (CRU) welding machine while welding works were ongoing at the premises.

"The Hazmat team was also deployed to monitor and control toxic gases, and the team commander reported that gas detector readings were low and within safe levels.

"Fortunately, the incident did not result in a factory fire, and the operation was fully brought under control at 2.27pm," he said. - NT