KENINGAU: The kitchen of a house in Taman Adika exploded on Sunday afternoon, believed to be caused by a gas leak, injuring a man and his family.
Fire and Rescue Station Chief Severinus @ Mohd Nidzam Sinkui said the incident occurred at 4.25pm.
Upon receiving the emergency call, firefighters, along with an FRT (Fire Rescue Tender) unit and an EMRS (Emergency Medical Rescue Services) team, were dispatched to the scene.
The victim, who was in the living room, heard a hissing sound coming from a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder.
Concerned, he entered the dark kitchen and instinctively turned on the light switch, which caused a small spark, triggering a powerful explosion.
Severinus explained that the explosion occurred immediately after the switch was turned on, engulfing the kitchen in flames and causing about 40 per cent damage to the house.
As a result, the victim suffered burns to 20 per cent of his body. His wife sustained burn injuries to her legs and hands and is currently being treated in the Yellow Zone, while their child only suffered minor injuries.
The fire was brought under control with the help of members of the public who initially extinguished part of the blaze before firefighters arrived.
The Keningau Fire and Rescue Department (BBP) reminded the public not to touch or switch on any electrical switches if a gas smell is detected.
The first step, they advised, is to open doors and windows for ventilation and turn off the gas regulator from the cylinder.
