SIBU: A man lost his life when a hydraulic oil drum exploded at a scrap metal recycling centre at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman here yesterday (Apr 18).
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili said police were alerted to the incident at 1.30 pm.
A team comprising officers from the Sibu Central Police Station, Criminal Investigation Division (CID) and members of Sibu Fire and Rescue Department promptly responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, the police discovered the lifeless body of a male victim, Zulkipli said.
“Examination revealed that the victim, 37, had sustained severe head injuries and his left arm was severed,” he said today.
Eyewitnesses recounted seeing the victim carrying a piece of iron before heading towards the workshop prior to the incident.
“It is believed that the victim was cutting the iron rod atop an oil drum using an oxy-acetylene cutter.
“The heat caused the hydraulic oil drum to expand and explode. There were no further damage or injuries,” he said.
He confirmed that there were no criminal elements involved, and the victim’s body was transferred to Sibu Hospital Mortuary.
“The case is classified as sudden death. We urge the public to refrain from speculating about the incident,” he added.
