Emergency protocols kicked in after blast, says Help University

KUALA LUMPUR: Help University says its emergency protocols, including immediate evacuation, were activated after an explosion at its Bukit Damansara campus.

“An incident occurred in the kitchen of an F&B outlet located on the fourth floor of one of Help University’s campus building at Bukit Damansara.

“Students and staff on campus were immediately evacuated in accordance with emergency protocols. Emergency services arrived shortly after they were notified.

“Nine people sustained injuries, including four students and one university staff member.

“We are saddened to share that there was one fatality involving an external contractor,” it said in a statement on Monday (Jan 12).

The university said it was working with medical services to ensure victims are receiving appropriate medical assistance.

“We are working very closely with authorities as well as the building’s owner and management company, to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident. The affected building will remain closed until investigations are completed,” it said.

It added that immediate safety checks would be conducted at both their Bukit Damansara and Subang Bestari campuses.

“We want to assure and affirm that the Subang Bestari campus will remain open for operations and classes,” it said.

In a statement on Monday, the city Fire and Rescue Department said that the explosion destroyed about a third of the room.

“The explosion caused approximately 30% damage on the 4th floor but there was no fire.

“Investigations found that the explosion occurred in the air-conditioning compressor room located in the Help University cafeteria on the fourth floor while maintenance work was being carried out by the a contractor,” it said.

A contractor conducting air-conditioning maintenance was killed in the blast and nine others were injured, including four students.