Kids horrifically hurt in baking soda explosion

Compiled by TAN SIN CHOW, RAHIMY RAHIM and R. ARAVINTHAN

TWO siblings suffered horrific injuries to their face and body after baking soda chemicals leaking from a broken sink exploded.

The chemical leak is believed to be from a neighbour’s apartment, Kosmo! reported.

The nine-year-old boy was severely burnt and sustained injuries to his face, head and body while his seven-year-old sister was injured on her right thigh.

The boy remains in hospital while the girl has returned home after receiving medical treatment.

Serdang OCPD Asst Comm AA Anbalagan said police received a report from the victim’s mother at 5.20pm on Wednesday.

The mother initially heard the sound of an explosion followed by her children’s cries from the kitchen.

“The victim’s mother and her husband found both their children were splashed with a liquid, believed to be baking soda acid that exploded from the piping system above their apartment.

“The owner was believed to have used baking soda to clean a clogged sink,” he said.

The mother rushed her two children to Hospital Serdang before they were referred to Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

“Police have recorded a statement from the owner who admitted to using baking soda that was bought online for RM50.”

The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code and Section 7 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act.