Mechanic dies after sudden explosion at fish centre

SABAK BERNAM: The usually quiet fishing village at Jalan 4 of Bagan Sungai Besar ‎was shaken by an explosion at night that killed a man at a fish centre here.

During the ‎8.30pm incident Wednesday, air conditioning mechanic Chwa Sing Lek, 53, was packing his equipment with his brother-in-law as he was wrapping up ‎for the day.

It is learnt that Chwa was called to fix the air conditioning and chilling system of several fishing vessels at the fish centre.

‎According to a police spokesperson, Chwa was near his van while his brother-in-law was away in a boat when the explosion happened.

''The brother-in-law of the victim was shocked by the sudden boom and returned from the boat only to find the van in flames. ‎

''We believe the explosion could have been caused by a gas leak, but the Fire and Rescue Services Department's forensics division are still investigating to determine the cause.

''A post-mortem has been conducted and the case is classified as sudden death for the time being,'' he said here Thursday.

‎Sabak Bernam OCPD Supt Nor Azmi Isa ‎confirmed the incident.

A check at the scene found that the van was shattered from the impact of the explosion‎ with several gas cylinders seen scattered nearby the van, including a broken one.

Chwa, from Bagan Sungai Besar here, is survived by his wife and three sons.

''It happened so suddenly and we could not believe that our eldest brother just left like that.

''We are still trying to come to terms with his sudden passing,'' said one of Chwa's younger sisters when met at her shop, adding that they were waiting to claim Chwa's remains from the mortuary.