Car explosion in Kota Bharu not caused by drone attack, say cops

 

The car, believed to be carrying firecrackers, broke into half in the impact of the explosion in Kota Bharu on Friday. (Bernama pic)

KOTA BHARU: The explosion involving a vehicle, resulting in the death of a man at Persimpangan Kampung Sireh here on Friday, was not a result of a drone bomb attack as viralled on social media, police said.

Initial news reports had said the car was struck by lightning and exploded, ripping the car into two.

Kelantan police chief Shafien Mamat, however, said the actual cause of the incident was still being investigated by the Bukit Aman Bomb Unit and the Fire and Rescue Department’s forensic unit in Putrajaya.

“The results of the inspections will be known as soon as possible after the two units complete their investigations.

“Based on preliminary information from witnesses, smoke was seen coming out from the bonnet of the car before the explosion,” he told reporters.

He was commenting on a viral message on the explosion that it was allegedly caused by a drone attack and not from a lightning strike.

In the meantime, Shafien said throughout the investigations at the incident site, the road from Pintu Geng to Lembah Sireh will be temporarily closed until further notice.

“Residents in Lembah Sireh, Pintu Geng, Taman Guru, Salor Lama and Pendek can use the alternative route, namely Kuala Krai Federal Route-Kota Bharu straight to Wakaf Che Yeh-Telipot-Wakaf Siku.

“Those working in the areas along the closed route, such as Wisma Perkeso and the Kota Darul Naim Post Office near the location, must inform the police first for inspection before entering,” he said.

In the 5.30pm incident on Friday, a 49-year-old man was killed when the car he was driving, which was also carrying firecrackers, exploded, splitting the vehicle into two. - FMT