Dust Collector Explosion

The said Dust Collector

BUTTERWORTH: A dust-collecting machine at the factory of a manufacturing company blew up yesterday, shattering the roof and sending debris flying at the Prai Industrial Estate near here.
The blast at Excel Rim Sdn Bhd was also believed to have damaged buildings within 100m of the factory.

The factory, making motorcycle wheel rims, was badly damaged.


Eight of the 70 employees were injured in the explosion, said state Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Mohd Razam Taja Rahim.


"Locals and Nepalese were among the victims. Four have been sent to Bagan Specialist Centre here while the other four were sent to Seberang Jaya Hospital."

Razam said they were alerted at 10.20am. Seven fire engines and 33 firemen were sent to fight the blaze.


Thirty volunteer firefighters from around Seberang Prai also helped the firemen.

Razam said the cause of the explosion and the company's losses were still being investigated.

Impact from the explosion, affecting opposite factory.