Massive Explosion Rocks Luxury Housing Complex in Medan, Suspected Gas Leak; Search Continues

A massive explosion rocked the luxury housing complex of Grand Polonia in Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday afternoon (20/7), causing a three-story house to collapse and inflicting severe damage. The blast also damaged at least seven surrounding houses and wrecked parked vehicles. Two individuals remain missing, and joint search and rescue teams are continuing their intensive efforts. Initially, the explosion was suspected to be caused by a leak from underground gas pipes within the property. However, Agus Kurniawan, Head of PGN Medan, stated that their team's gas detection survey at the scene did not detect any methane gas. "Based on the results of gas detection conducted by the PGN team on Monday night (20/7/2026), witnessed by authorized external parties, including on the first and second floors of the house in question, the readings showed 0 ppm, meaning no methane gas (natural gas) was detected in the incident area," he explained. PGN stated that they are awaiting the official investigation results from the authorities to determine the exact cause. They have deployed technical and emergency response teams to secure the location, shut off gas supply, and conduct a thorough inspection of the pipeline network to ensure public safety. Hery Marantika, Head of the Medan Search and Rescue Agency, reported that approximately 300-400 personnel, along with heavy equipment, have been deployed to search for the missing individuals, focusing on the second floor of the collapsed building. Danu (43), a construction worker near the scene, testified that moments before the explosion, he saw a white flash from house number 3B, followed by a loud bang. He also recounted that building debris scattered by the blast severely damaged a Lexus car passing by, though the driver was rescued. Danu also claimed to have heard a woman's voice calling for help from inside the collapsed house. Police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the explosion, including the possibility of a leak from underground gas pipes. Initial investigations had indicated the detection of gas at the site, but further inquiry is needed to determine the definitive cause. Source: CNN Indonesia