LABUAN: Two explosions near a petrochemical plant shocked residents on the island here yesterday.
The blast, the first at about 2.30am and second about 7am, came from near a jetty where a ship was berthed in the Pulau Eno industrial area.
Unconfirmed reports received by the Fire and Rescue Services department revealed that six people were missing.
They were workers who were loading methanol into the ship in the area where there are also three villages within a five kilometre radius.
Fire broke out after the first explosion prompting the authorities to evacuate the residents of Patau-Patau 1, Patau-Patau 2 and Ranca-Ranca.
From the latest update received, the fire is said to have been contained by the authorities. More updates to follow.
Update:
Source from: Malaysian DigestAt least one crewman was killed after a freak lightning strike blew up a tanker near the Petronas Methanol Labuan jetty early this morning.
The incident is believed to have occurred around 2.30 am when a lightning strike set the tanker ablaze.
The tanker has been identified as MSC’s Bunga Alpina 3. It was believed to be carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the time.
A Maritime Response Coordination Centre (MRCC) spokesman told Malaysian Digest that at least one death has been confirmed.
“Our men are currently at the scene. We can confirm that we have found one body,” said the spokesman.
It is learnt that authorities are still searching for at least six other crewmen who are still missing.
It is also learnt that the crew members comprised Malaysians, Filipinos and Indian nationals.
More Pic:
Update: Visit Methanol Tanker on Fire for watching the video's of tragedy