Explosion kills two in Padang

PADANG, West Sumatra: Two oxygen factory workers were killed and two others were in critical condition on Tuesday when a pipe they were working on exploded.

The dead men were identified as Junaidi and Andi, who worked for PT Ingasuta on Jl. Gurun Laweh. The injured workers, Nirwan and Muslim, are undergoing intensive care at Yos Sudarso Hospital.

Witnesses said the blast took place when Junaidi was pumping oxygen into the pipe, which turned out to contain oil.

The explosion, which could be heard 500 meters away, extensively damaged the factory. Total material losses, however, remained unknown.

Padang Police chief Supt. Estuning Widayat said the accident was being investigated. (28/lup)