Selangor Journal

Sinkhole incident: SAR teams brave flammable gasses on 5th day of search

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The search and rescue (SAR) operation for Indian national Vijayaletchumy, 48, who fell into an eight-meter-deep sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India, here, entered its fifth day today.

A Bernama survey at the site found authorities had gathered as early as 8 am and were seen holding discussions and assigning tasks to carry out the SAR operation for the day.

Meanwhile, Bernama was informed that the woman’s son, identified as Surya, 26, was seen at the search site at about  9 a.m. to follow the progress of the SAR.

A survey in the area at about 9 am found that most business premises are still closed.

Nearly 50 media personnel have gathered at the site as early as 8 a.m. to follow developments of the SAR  operation.

Meanwhile, for SAR teams who were working at a 15-meter-high sewage tank at the Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) plant to locate the victim, highly toxic and flammable sewer gas accumulated there posed a significant challenge.

A source informed Bernama that the danger was identified after SAR team members were deployed to inspect the tank, initially with two personnel on Sunday and four yesterday.

“There are various hazardous gases in the tank, including hydrogen sulfide and methane, which are both highly toxic and flammable,” the source said.

Hydrogen sulfide is a colourless, highly toxic, and flammable gas with a distinct smell of rotten eggs. It is produced by biological activity when bacteria decompose organic matter in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions).

Sources revealed that SAR personnel used specialised personal protective equipment (PPE), designed for single use, and breathing apparatus when entering the tank. 

The source added that SAR personnel will be lowered into the tank and the filter section using a rope system to search for any clues regarding the victim.

“The search operation involves using hands and specialised tools. While inside the tank, SAR team members must avoid making abrupt movements or disturbing the pile of excrement excessively, as the accumulated methane gas is flammable. Everything must be handled with great care.

“Search efforts will continue in the tank and the filter area to identify any foreign objects trapped after the faeces were pumped out. As of yesterday, no positive results have been found,” the source explained.

— Bernama

Top Picks

UK lawmakers summon Shein, Temu over labour practices

Editor Selangor Journal

Floods: 63 still housed at relief centres in Kelantan, Johor

South Korea authorities arrive to arrest impeached President Yoon

Editor Selangor Journal