Two hurt in massive blast at Pengerang’s RAPID oil-and-gas facility (VIDEO)

JOHOR BARU, April 12 — An explosion and fire occurred at the Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) project in Pengerang here early this morning.

The shock of the 1.25am explosion was reportedly felt by residents of several nearby residential areas.

Two local workers suffered minor injuries during the incident and received outpatient treatment at the RAPID Pengerang’s medical emergency centre.

Kota Tinggi police chief Superintendent Ahsmon Bajah said the fire broke out at a project lot in the facility where the Petronas RAPID Pengerang Emergency Fire and Response Team (ERT) was immediately deployed.

“A total of five fire engines and 30 personnel managed to contain the blaze and later extinguish the fire at 2.15am,” he said in a statement today.

Ahsmon said investigations to identify the cause of the explosion and fire will involve the Johor Safety, Security and Environment Committee; the District Disaster Committee; and Petronas RAPID Pengerang's safety management.

He also praised the Petronas RAPID Pengerang’s ERT for their quick response to contain the incident.

According to earlier social media posts, the blast was loud enough to be heard within a 50km radius of the project.

Pictures and videos of the incident have been circulating online since 2am.

It was learnt that the explosion and subsequent fire were due to a leaking gas tank at the facility.

In a statement this morning, Petronas confirmed the incident at its facility within the Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) that the RAPID project comes under.

“Our ERT was deployed and the fire was contained within 30 minutes. The situation is under control and all relevant authorities have been informed,” the state oil firm said.

It added that the management will provide additional information once investigations are done.