North Sumatra Police: Explosion in Medan's Grand Polonia Housing Complex Suspected Caused by Methane Gas
The North Sumatra Regional Police (Polda Sumut) have disclosed preliminary findings regarding the explosion at the Grand Polonia housing estate in Medan. The blast is strongly suspected to have been triggered by methane gas that leaked and became trapped inside the building before eventually igniting.
The Head of Public Relations at Polda Sumut, Chief Commissioner Ferry Walintukan, explained that the indication of methane gas was found based on forensic laboratory (Labfor) examinations at the scene.
“The forensic laboratory examination shows an indication of methane gas. The gas accumulated inside the room and was then ignited, resulting in the explosion,” said Ferry in Medan on Friday (24 January).
Although indications of methane gas have been found, the police have not yet been able to confirm the exact point of the leak. A team of experts is still carrying out comprehensive testing of the pipeline network in the area.
Ferry added that the Labfor team is currently conducting a leak test on the pipeline network. This step is being taken to scientifically determine the location of the leak that triggered the accumulation of the deadly gas.
Echoing this, the Head of the Physics and Computer Sub-Division of Polda Sumut’s Labfor, Assistant Commissioner Roy Tenno Siburian, said that uncovering the source of the leak will take time due to technical constraints posed by the building’s structure.
“The pipeline installation is located within the building’s structure, so the examination must be carried out in stages. Only after the leak point is found can we determine how the gas accumulated to the point of triggering the explosion,” Roy explained.
According to final data from the Medan Class A Basarnas Office and the joint SAR team, the incident, which occurred on Monday (20 January), claimed seven victims. Of that number, four people survived, while three others died.
As a precautionary and safety measure, PGN Regional Division I has temporarily halted the gas supply at the scene. This step was taken to guarantee the safety of nearby residents and to facilitate the police’s in-depth investigation at the crime scene.
Incident notes:
PT PGN (Persero) Tbk has denied the police’s allegation regarding the cause of the explosion at the Grand Polonia housing estate in Medan, based on the fact that no methane gas content was found.
PGN’s technical team confirmed there was no methane gas content (0 ppm) at the site of the explosion at a resident’s home in Grand Polonia, Medan. The investigation into the cause is ongoing.
The joint SAR team found the body of the third victim of the explosion at the Grand Polonia housing estate in Medan. The SAR operation has officially ended, while the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
The joint SAR team found a victim of the explosion at the housing estate in Suka Damai Sub-district, Medan Polonia District, Medan, North Sumatra, on Tuesday (21 January). This was the second victim.
PT PGN (Persero) Tbk has denied the police’s allegation regarding the cause of the explosion at the Grand Polonia housing estate in Medan, based on the fact that no methane gas content was found.