The sole fatality in an air-conditioning gas explosion at a private university yesterday has been identified as a Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) student who was undergoing industrial training with a maintenance company.
The victim, Soo Yu Juan, 24, was a third-year Mechanical Engineering student from UTAR and was just days away from completing his internship, according to Prof Chang Yoong Choon, Dean of UTAR’s Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Prof Chang said the student was at the site as part of his routine training duties when the explosion occurred.
“This is a very shocking and tragic incident for the university. He was carrying out a normal assignment related to air-conditioning maintenance when it happened,” he said at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Forensic Department.
He added that UTAR provides insurance coverage for all students, including those on industrial training, and that the university will assist the victim’s family with claims once the necessary documents are in place.
“I am personally handling this matter on behalf of UTAR to ensure the family receives the support they need,” he said.
The company where Soo was attached has also pledged its support, including assistance with funeral arrangements.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion, with findings from the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) expected in due course.
Bernama reporters observed the victim’s mother and elder brother arriving at HKL around 6pm to carry out the identification process.
Earlier reports said one person died while receiving treatment at HKL, while nine others were injured in the explosion, which occurred at about 11.40am on campus.
