KLANG: A goldsmith died while another is still missing after an explosion rocked two jewellery shophouses in the town centre here.
Subramani, 44, was believed to have died of smoke inhalation in the 2.30am explosion and fire, which was suspected to have been caused by an exploding gas cylinder.
The missing man was only identified as Rajesh, 28.
Both men, gold artisans from India, were employed by the outlet to design and create in-house jewellery items. The gas cylinder is believed to have been used to power soldering and shaping tools to design the jewellery.
Subramani and Rajesh were among the jewellery outlet’s six employees who were asleep on the top floor of the premises at Jalan Tengku Kelana when the incident occurred.
Five were Indian nationals while one of them was a Malaysian.
Rajesh was believed to have gone back inside to retrieve some jewellery that he had been working on.
Subramani then went in to look for Rajesh, who did not come out.
According to South Klang OCPD Asst Comm Kamarul Zaman Mamat, a search was made for Rajesh using sniffer dogs from the Fire And Rescue Department, but he was yet to be found.
Another jewellery outlet, a costume jewellery store and a mini market next to the affected shop were cordoned off after the fire.
ACP Kamarul Zaman said the cause of the explosion and subsequent fire were being investigated.
He said the workers were suddenly awakened by the sound of explosion, which blew off the front and back doors.
“Four of them managed to escape to safety,” he added.
Subramani’s body was later sent to the Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah for post-mortem.
Firemen from Kota Raja, Andalas and Sungai Pinang fire stations managed to put out the fire by 3am.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/02/12/Jewellery-store-blast-kills-goldsmith-Another-artisan-still-unaccounted-for-after-accident/
