
A lorry driver died and a workshop assistant suffered minor injuries after a tanker lorry exploded while welding work was being carried out during repairs at a workshop in Rantau today.
A fire and rescue official said the lorry had been at the workshop since yesterday afternoon for repairs.
“According to a witness, both victims were on top of the tanker to perform welding work when it suddenly exploded, causing both of them to be thrown into the air, as high as 3m,” said senior assistant fire superintendent Syazwan Saidy.
He said the 33-year-old lorry driver suffered serious head injuries and fell unconscious, while the witness helped to carry the workshop assistant, who is also the driver’s brother, into a room while waiting for help to arrive.