‘Detailed probe of blast to be performed, other parts of mall declared safe’
KUCHING: The management of CityONE Megamall is closely working with authorities in the investigation of Tuesday’s explosion which killed three individuals and injured 41 others.
In a press statement yesterday, it said the mall is currently closed to the public pending a full-fledged investigation on the cause of the incident.
The explosion took place around 3.30pm at what was to have been the new outlet of NeNe Chicken, which was supposed to have opened its doors yesterday.
It occurred when workers were busy performing final touch-ups to the outlet located on the ground floor.
The statement added that the Fire and Rescue Department ( Bomba) has declared other sections of CityONE Megamall to be safe.
“CityONE Megamall has engaged a certified structural engineering consultant to conduct a thorough walkthrough to confirm that the affected area is indeed safe before the mall is officially opened to the public.”
As of Tuesday night, the state Health Department confirmed the blast had claimed three lives and wounded 41.
Meanwhile, Stephen Long, who is a director of Kenbest Sdn Bhd – the mall’s developer – offered his condolences yesterday to the families of those affected by the blast.
“We at CityONE Megamall are deeply saddened by yesterday’s events. From customer to contractor, we believe human lives are of the utmost importance and that they should be protected at all costs.
“We grieve alongside the families who have lost loved ones. At this point in time, we would like to focus our efforts on the needs of those affected and their families. Whether they need in terms of financial or emotional support, we want to be there with them,” he said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Long had spent the day meeting with the families of the victims.
He said a full inspection of the mall had been scheduled for yesterday, adding that safety is something that should never be compromised.
“This (explosion) has come as a real shock to us. I would like to reiterate that no renovation work was going on at the point of the explosion, but rather some minor touch-ups and preparation for the much anticipated opening of the restaurant.”
He also praised civilians who rushed to aid the injured, saying it was heartening to see Kuchingites band together in the face of the devastating incident.