Monday, December 21, 2009

Lagi Mangsa Letupan

Jusco blast claims second life

MALACCA: The recent gas explosion at AEON Jusco outlet in Bachang claimed a second life with the death of engineer Ooi Kok On at the Malacca Hospital.

The 33-year-old from Sri Taman, Alor Setar, passed away at the hospital’s intensive care unit at 9.40am yesterday after undergoing two surgeries over the last six days for serious head injuries.

AEON Jusco general-manager (corporate communications) A. Rashid Adam, who was present at the hospital to console the deceased family, said the company would make arrangement for Ooi’s body to be brought back to his home for burial.

“We will bear the cost of sending Ooi’s remains back to his home in Alor Setar for the funeral.

“We will also ensure our staff are there for them if they need anything,” he told reporters yesterday, adding that Aeon had also presented RM10,000 to Ooi’s family.

The deceased father, Ooi Hua, 64, and several family members arrived at the hospital at about 10am to claim his remains but they were too distraught to speak.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who was also present to extend his condolences, said four blast victims are still warded at the hospital while 15 others have been discharged.

The deadly blast occurred at the food court section on the ground floor of the three-storey complex just before 1pm last Monday as workers and tenants were busy making final preparations for the mall’s opening earlier scheduled for Dec 17.

Tiau See Peing, a supervisor at the Old Town White Coffee outlet, died on the spot when he was hit by flying debris while 20 others suffered injuries.

Following the blast, the complex grand opening was postponed pending a joint probe by the Energy Commission and the Fire and Rescue Department.

Initial investigations had revealed that negligence and a massive gas leak in the complex’s liquid petroleum gas system had caused the blast.

The contractors and engineers responsible for installation of the gas piping system have been suspended.

By ALLISON LAI

Dipetik dari Star Online 20 Disember 2009

No comments:

Post a Comment