Medan Luxury Home Explosion Suspected to be Caused by Methane Gas Buildup

The Forensic Laboratory Center (Labfor) of the North Sumatra Regional Police has released preliminary findings on the explosion that occurred in a luxury home in the Grand Polonia area of Medan, North Sumatra. The investigation suggests the blast originated from the kitchen of house number 3B, with the detection of methane gas in the area. According to AKBP Roy Tenno Siburian, Head of the Technical Forensic Communication Sub-Division at Labfor Polda Sumut, the pattern of structural damage indicates a strong pressure originating from within the house. "The damage we have found is characteristic of pressure originating from inside the house. This means there was strong internal pressure that caused walls and other items to collapse," he stated. In the kitchen, a built-in stove was found dislodged from its position, and doors were blown open due to the pressure. This area also housed the gas terminal used for cooking. "In the kitchen, we found a built-in stove and doors that were open, with the stove lifted upwards. That is where the gas terminal used for cooking was located," Roy said. Roy explained that these conditions imply the possibility of a gas fire or explosion triggered by accumulated gas within the room. "So, if there was pressure there, it can be interpreted that a gas fire occurred there," he elaborated. Further examination using a gas detector revealed varying concentrations of methane gas in the kitchen area. "The initial results from the gas detector found varying concentrations in the kitchen. There was about 10 percent of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). So, at that concentration, the gas should be able to detonate," he explained. He confirmed that initial safety measures have been implemented by PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) to prevent further hazards. Roy emphasized that gas concentrations were only found in the kitchen area. In other parts of the house examined, the team did not detect the presence of gas. Nevertheless, the investigation is ongoing, with the Labfor team and investigators delving deeper into the findings at the scene. "But indeed, as this is a crime scene, in terms of gas, we did not find it in other areas, only in the kitchen did we find residual amounts. Gas dissipates quickly, so in terms of gas, we see that PGN has secured it, meaning it is sufficient for that location," he concluded. Information Source: CNN Indonesia