Gas cylinder leak sparks fire, hurts two in Makassar
Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Makassar, South Sulawesi | Tue, 07/27/2010 6:04 PM
A gas canister leak sparked a fire at the house of South Sulawesi governor Syahrul Yasin Limpo’s brother Haris Yasin Limpo in Panakkukang Mas area on Tuesday, wounding two people.
Indra, a relative of Haris, and a neighbor, Anto, were rushed to Labuang Baji Hospital in Makassar due to their severe burn injuries they sustained after trying to put off the fire.
Haris’ housemaid Riri said the accident occurred after a technician repaired an oven, which the family needed as it was preparing a birthday party.
“As soon as the technician left, we heard a hissing sound from the gas canister. Suddenly a flame came out and I screamed for help after I failed to douse it,” Riri said.
Indra and Anto cut the gas pipe and took the 12-kilogram cylinder out of the kitchen.
A fire truck arrived when the flame had been extinguished.
State oil and gas company PT Pertamina data revealed 20 accidents related to gas canisters since January in Makassar.
