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AUTHORITIES have launched a criminal negligence investigation after a helium gas cylinder exploded at a business expo site near Dataran Jam Besar in Sungai Petani, killing a trader and injuring several bystanders in a blast that sent metal fragments flying up to 100 metres across the crowded area.
Kuala Muda district police chief Hanyan Ramlan said two men, aged in their 20s and 40s, had been detained to assist investigations into the incident, with further arrests expected later in the night.
“Police will make several more arrests tonight,” he told reporters at the scene.
The explosion claimed the life of 42-year-old trader Azmi Ahmad, while three others, including a 15-year-old boy, sustained injuries during the incident, which occurred at about 7.53pm.
Hanyan urged any additional victims who may have suffered injuries during the blast to come forward to assist investigators as police piece together the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
He also confirmed that the expo, which had been scheduled to run from 20 to 26 May, would be temporarily shut down to facilitate investigations.
“Police received a call at 7.53pm from members of the public informing us of the incident.
“Initial investigations found a man lying on the ground who was confirmed dead due to severe injuries to his right hand and right chest.
“We believe the incident may have occurred when a cylinder containing gas exploded.
“Its fragments were hurled between 70 and 100 metres away and struck several other traders, causing injuries,” he said.
Police are investigating the case under Section 304A of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence.
The victim’s body has been sent to the Forensic Department of Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah for further examination.
Separately, the Sungai Petani Fire and Rescue Station confirmed that the blast involved a helium cylinder used to fill balloons for children at the expo site.
Sungai Petani Fire and Rescue Station chief Siti Norafiza Mohd Noh said the department received an emergency call at 7.52pm and dispatched eight firefighters led by Senior Fire Officer II Mohd Badrul Hisham Hassan to the location.
“The Operations Commander reported arriving at the scene at 8.05pm and found that the explosion involved a helium gas cylinder used to fill children’s balloons for business purposes.
“Two victims, a 15-year-old teenage boy and a 46-year-old man, were injured, while a 42-year-old man was confirmed dead at the scene by Health Ministry personnel,” she said.
She added that the injured victims were handed over to the Health Ministry for treatment, while the deceased was placed under police custody for further action.
The deadly explosion has raised renewed concerns over the handling and storage of compressed gas cylinders at temporary commercial sites and public events, particularly those involving family-oriented attractions and crowded night markets. - May 22, 2026
