Kuantan, Malaysia—One worker died this morning after an explosion ripped through a welding workshop. The blast originated near a pressurized gas tank used for metal cutting operations. The force of the explosion blew out the workshop’s front wall and sent metal shards across the street.

Firefighters responded to the scene within minutes, finding the workshop engulfed in thick smoke. They managed to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent businesses. The victim was discovered near the main work bench, succumbing to injuries from the initial impact.

Two other employees were working in the rear of the building and managed to escape with only minor scrapes. They are currently being treated for shock at the regional hospital. The workshop remains under heavy guard by police and forensic investigators.

Preliminary reports suggest that a leak in the gas valve may have triggered the explosion when the welder ignited his torch. The safety department has confirmed they are auditing the workshop’s compliance with industrial gas storage standards. This is the first incident of this type in the area this year.

The owner of the shop is being held for questioning regarding the maintenance schedule of the equipment. Neighbors described hearing a roar before a shockwave shook their windows. The street has been cleared of debris, but the shop itself remains a hazardous site.

Forensic teams are collecting samples of the damaged valves to determine the cause of the failure. The facility will stay closed until the investigation is complete and the site is declared safe. Officials have cautioned residents to stay clear of the immediate vicinity.

The family of the deceased has been notified and is currently awaiting the release of the remains. This tragedy has prompted an urgent directive for all similar workshops in Kuantan to conduct safety checks. Inspections of local commercial districts are expected to increase over the next week.

The investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed yet. Further details on the cause of the leak are pending a laboratory analysis of the recovered equipment.