The explosion also damaged four cars and one motorcycle that were passing the scene.
our people are dead and nine severely injured after several LPG gas and oxygen cylinders at a welding workshop in Hamparan Perak District, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, exploded on Thursday morning.
The explosion also damaged four cars and one motorcycle that were passing the scene.
North Sumatra Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) chief Sr. Comr. Abu Bakar Tetusi said the explosion occurred among LPG gas and oxygen cylinders being used by a welder, identified as Erwin, who was working at the shop when the incident occurred.
"A total of five cylinders exploded, so the explosion was very big. It killed four people and injured nine others," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.
According to Abu Bakar, the explosion claimed the lives of Erwin and two other people in the workshop. The driver of an SUV, which was passing by the shop, was also killed after a flying piece of metal smashed through the car windscreen.
He said the explosion was the result of negligence and was not intentional or caused by a bomb.
Binjai Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Romadhoni Sutardjo said the authorities were currently investigating the incident.
"Based on our initial investigation, the source of the explosion was some LPG and oxygen cylinders used at the workshop," Romadhoni said.
"We have sealed off the area with police lines for further investigations," he added.
According to Romadhoni, several houses located next to the workshop were also damaged in the blast. (nal)
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