Cover image via NST Online (Facebook)
An explosion at a fruit shop in Bandar Baru Klang on Thursday evening, 12 June, caused part of its wall structure to collapse and damaged six cars parked nearby
Image via NST Online
The force of the blast sent fruit flying and scattered goods across the vicinity. Several nearby stalls also sustained damage, with some roofs torn off and flung by the sheer force of the explosion.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department operations division assistant director, Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, confirmed that an emergency call regarding the incident was received at 5.21pm.
He confirmed that the explosion occurred at the rear section of the fruit shop, which measured 70 by 100 sq ft
Image via NST Online
The impact from the blast caused a partial collapse of a 30-by-30 sq ft section of the shop's wall. Six cars parked adjacent to a nearby mosque were also damaged.
Ahmad Mukhlis said that while the cause remains under investigation, initial findings suggest the explosion may have involved carbide, a chemical compound commonly used to speed up fruit ripening.
No casualties were reported.
Calcium carbide is highly reactive with water
While calcium carbide itself is not flammable, it releases flammable acetylene gas when it reacts with water. This reaction can cause fire or explosion if the acetylene is ignited.
Acetylene gas, like ethylene, is a plant hormone that stimulates the ripening process.
