| 8 injured in explosion at Ghubra housing complex |
Abdullah Al Jahwari
MUSCAT Eight people sustained severe to moderate injuries in an explosion at a gas distribution unit at a residential complex in Al Ghubra on Saturday, according to a Royal Oman Police (ROP) source.
The explosion cracked walls, damaged window panes and scattered concrete debris around the building. It also caused heavy damage to vehicles parked in the building’s vicinity.
Policemen, civil defence and ambulance teams rushed to the spot along with sniffer dog squads to investigate the incident. The injured were shifted to hospital. The civil defence team arrived at 9.15am and evacuated people from the building and secured the place.
A team has begun investigation to find the reason for the gas leak which led to the blast. Eng. Khaled Bin Khamees Al Hashmi, Director of the Department of Building Licences at Muscat Municipality, said investigation is under way to find the cause of the explosion. Muscat Municipality is cooperating with concerned authorities.
He said the explosion caused major damage to the building. A portion of the building has partially collapsed. The remaining part of the building suffered no damage showing that there were no construction flaws.
He said the building was receiving gas supplies through a central gas unit and that it is one of the few buildings that have this gas supply system. “This is the first accident of its kind in Muscat,” Al Hashmi said.
Salem Bin Ali Al Siabi, owner of the housing complex, said the building undertakes periodical maintenance of gas connections and pipes from a specialised company. He said the explosion did not take place in the main gas tank but in one of the apartments in the building, adding that the civil defence is investigating the incident.
“We took all precautionary measures to make sure that there is no danger to other buildings in the complex, as the main gas unit was closed till the company completed its work,” he said. Residents of the 15-floor building, which was built five years ago, have been shifted to alternative residences.
On the residents complaining of smell of gas two days ago, Al Siabi said the gas leak reported from one of the flats was repaired immediately ensuring that there was no gas leaking in the building.
ROP has urged all citizens and residents to adhere to safety standards to prevent fire hazards that may result from improper use and storage of gas and its equipment. It also urged the residents to carry out regular maintenance of gas connections and cylinders.
Oman Tribune
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