After Initially Denying Gas Presence at Medan Mansion Explosion Site, Here is PGN's Explanation

PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) has stated it did not find any methane content (natural gas) at the explosion site in Grand Polonia, Medan. PGN has also shut off the gas supply to the housing estate. Meanwhile, initial investigations by police suggest the explosion was likely caused by a leak in PGN’s buried gas pipeline. “A calibration was carried out together with the Police Chief earlier. There are indeed two differences. The first is the difference in time,” said PT PGN Regional 1 General Manager Andi Sangga when interviewed at the explosion site. Andi stated that the police arrived at the scene earlier. PGN only conducted measurements at the explosion site at around 9.30 pm local time. “We took measurements at 9.30 pm. The incident (explosion) may have occurred in the afternoon, around 3 pm or 4 pm. The concentration may have already changed significantly,” he explained. “Secondly, our measurements were not taken directly inside the location at that time. We took measurements using a laser methane mini. Perhaps these differences in parameters caused the discrepancy in measurement results,” Andi continued. Andi said his party also expressed condolences over the incident. PGN will conduct an investigation together with the police. “We fully support the focus on follow-up investigations that need to be carried out jointly,” he stated. PT PGN shut off the gas supply to the elite Grand Polonia housing estate in Medan. This closure was carried out after an explosion at one of the luxury homes, suspected to be due to a buried gas leak. Regional 1 General Manager of PT PGN Andi Sangga confirmed that a gas pipeline network is installed in the housing estate, including to house number 3B, which was the source of the explosion. “It is true that we have a gas pipeline network in this Grand Polonia estate that serves customers within this complex, including the house at 3B,” Andi said. Andi said that following the shut-off, no gas is flowing into the housing estate. He assured that conditions in the complex are safe. “We can convey that natural gas, which is mostly methane, is a light gas. So, after we shut it off, with no gas flow entering, everything is automatically safe within that environment,” he explained. He could not yet confirm whether the gas pipe leak directly resulted in the large explosion. Andi said this is still under joint investigation with the police. “Natural gas is actually very safe because if it is released into the air, it evaporates immediately. As for why this happened, we will wait for the results of the joint investigation,” said Andi. Andi stated that the buried gas pipeline in the complex was installed in 2003. He said his party also carries out routine maintenance. However, he could not confirm when the pipeline was last maintained.