SHAH ALAM, June 30 — The Putra Heights gas pipe explosion was caused by soil subsidence that happened over the years since it was laid in 2000, resulting in the pipe shifting by 15.9cm.
The matter was revealed by Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari at a press conference here.
“The impact from the subsidence caused the pipe to move by 15.9cm and this was found after analysing samples from the pipe that showed signs of fatigue and stress lines on the structure,” he said in a statement.
The finding was part of the report prepared by the investigation team comprising several agencies and led by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health.
Another agency involved in the investigation, the Department of Mineral and Geoscience, said it found water had accumulated in the soil underneath the pipe, which weakened the soil structure.
“Even though the gas pipe met all required technical specifications, its failure was caused by several environmental factors, including unstable soil, prolonged water accumulation that softened the ground, and stresses affecting monsoon drainage and culverts as well as by climate pressures and high population density,” said Amirudin.
A special committee that will study the report and recommend actions will be formed soon, the Selangor MB added.
