KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 12 — One person was killed and nine others injured in an air-conditioner compressor explosion at HELP University’s cafeteria in Bukit Damansara here earlier today.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said it received an emergency call at 11.51am and immediately dispatched several teams from four fire stations to the scene.
“Initial investigations found that the explosion took place at the air-conditioner compressor room located in the university’s Level 4 cafeteria during a routine maintenance by contractors.
“The explosion damaged almost one-third of the entire floor and did not involve any fire,” the statement read.
According to JBPM, a Hazmat team was also sent to the scene to identify possible gas leaks, but later found the area to be safe from hazardous gases.
The department said the situation remained under control and investigations are ongoing.
The operation involved personnel from the Sri Hartamas fire station, assisted by teams from the Sentul, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Jalan Tun Razak stations, with a total strength of 38 firemen.
Separately, City police chief Commissioner Datuk Fadil Marsus said the victim, a 24-year-old contractor, died from his injuries at Hospital Kuala Lumpur following the incident which took place around 11.45am.
Those caught in the blast included four students, an in-house technician and two canteen workers, while two other contractors sustained serious injuries.
