THE Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department last night deployed its K9 unit at the CityONE shopping mall, which was rocked by an explosion.

“We want to be completely sure there are no more victims buried under the debris,” Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas told reporters when he visited the scene in Kuching about 8.30pm.

The blast yesterday afternoon killed three people and injured 26 others, with four in critical condition. Many of those hurt suffered burns, and were sent to Sarawak General Hospital for treatment.

The three dead have been identified as Sarawakians O Kui Lim, 49, of Batu Kawa, and Tchee Kiam Jong, 24, of BDC Stutong, and Penangite Chin Hsien Loong, 29, of Butterworth.

Two of them were employees at the Nene Chicken outlet, which had been scheduled to open today, and the other was a construction worker.

Uggah, who is also state Disaster and Relief Management Committee chairman, said he expects a full report on the incident soon.

Conveying the government’s condolences to the families of the three dead victims, Uggah said the reasons for the explosion must be known so that there is no recurrence of such an incident.

“Our prayers are also with the 26 injured. We hope they recover soon.”

The state fire chief yesterday said a leaking oxy-acetylene tank used for welding work is believed to be the source of the explosion, while police said they suspect it could have been due to a cooking gas pipe leak.

However, it is agreed that sparks from welding work being carried out had triggered the blast.

The CityONE management said on Facebook the mall will be closed until further notice.

The state Fire and Rescue Department, however, said its assessment found the mall to be structurally safe, and only the affected area will be cordoned off during the length of the investigation.

“It will be just a partial closure,” said Uggah.

“The mall is deemed safe. The Fire Department’s early assessment found that there was no damage to adjacent units.”

But, police said certification by a structural engineer is also needed before the mall can be reopened to the public. – December 5, 2018.