Man killed in van explosion

Accident scene: All that’s left of the van after the explosion at the Bagan Sungai Besar village jetty in Sabak Bernam.

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

Air conditioning mechanic Chwa Sing Lek, 53, and his brother-in-law were packing their tools when he was killed in a blast at about 8.30pm on Wednesday.

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

A police spokesman said Chwa was near his van while his brother-in-law was in a boat when the blast happened.

“The brother-in-law was shocked by the sudden booming sound. He quickly left the boat to find the van in flames.

“We believe the explosion could have been caused by a gas leak. The Fire and Rescue Department’s forensics division is still investigating the cause,” he said.

When contacted, 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 scattered near the vehicle.

Chwa’s family members, who declined to be identified, said the victim was survived by his wife and three sons.

“It happened so suddenly. 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.