A helium gas cylinder exploded on May 21 at a business expo near Dataran Jam Besar in Sungai Petani, killing a 42-year-old trader and injuring three others [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The explosion severely injured the trader, Azmi Ahmad, who sustained wounds to his right arm and chest and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
Three other people were hurt, including a 15-year-old boy and two men aged 36 and 49, according to multiple reports [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Debris and metal fragments from the blast flew as far as 100 metres, striking bystanders and traders nearby [1, 2, 3, 5]. "Some of the fragments were hurled up to 100 metres from the cylinder and struck a man who was operating a business nearby," said Kuala Muda district police chief ACP Hanyan Ramlan [2].
The helium cylinder was being used to fill children’s balloons for business purposes at the expo site, Sungai Petani Fire and Rescue Station chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Siti Norafiza Mohd Noh said, noting firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. [4, 5].
Authorities have detained two men believed to be connected with the cylinder and balloon sales at the event. Their ages vary by source, reported as either in their 20s and 40s or specifically 18 and 38 years old [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. They have been remanded to assist in police investigations, which are being conducted under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
The expo site was temporarily closed following the blast to facilitate investigations. Police chief ACP Hanyan Ramlan told traders to halt operations during the probe but said the site will be handed back to the organizer once inquiries conclude [1]. He also said police expect to make additional arrests related to the incident [5].
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the cause of the explosion and ensure accountability [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
