Medan Luxury Housing Estate Rocked by Explosion, Suspected Gas Leak

An explosion occurred in the Grand Polonia luxury housing estate in Medan Polonia District, Medan City, North Sumatra, on Monday (20/7) afternoon, around 3:30 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB). Based on preliminary investigations, police suspect a gas leak from an underground gas pipe within the three-story house where the incident originated. Medan Police Chief Kombes Pol Jean Calvijn Simanjuntak stated that the cause of the explosion is still under investigation. However, initial findings indicate a leak from the underground gas pipe. "The incident happened around 3:30 PM WIB. Based on the ongoing initial investigation, a leak from the planted gas pipe or underground gas pipeline was found," said Calvijn at the scene. He explained that a joint team had conducted an examination using gas detection equipment in the area of the house that sustained the most severe damage. Preliminary results showed the presence of gas detected at the location. "We entered the area using a gas detector and gas was indeed detected. However, this is still an initial investigation, and we will continue to explore it to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion," he said. The explosion caused damage to several surrounding houses. In addition to the building that was the source of the explosion suffering severe damage, several other houses were also affected by the strong blast pressure. "As a result of the explosion, several houses were affected, especially with broken glass and building material debris hitting nearby houses," explained Jean Calvijn. As of Monday evening, police, along with fire department teams, PLN, and related parties, are still securing and sweeping the scene. Police lines have also been set up to facilitate the crime scene investigation process.