Tragedy strikes in Port Dickson: Fatal fireworks explosion claims one life, injures another on New Year’s Eve

MALAYSIA: A 40-year-old worker lost his life, and another, aged 39, sustained injuries in a fireworks material explosion on the roof of a car park building at a hotel in Port Dickson on 31 December 2023.

The victims, employees of a fireworks installation company, were assigned to set up fireworks for a New Year’s Eve show at the hotel.

The incident occurred around 11.50 am, and the victim died on the spot due to severe injuries to the face.

His injured colleague was promptly rushed to Port Dickson Hospital for medical attention, as confirmed by Port Dickson District Police chief Supt Aidi Sham Mohamed.

Supt Aidi Sham stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, and the case is currently classified as a sudden death.

He urged the public not to engage in spreading speculation about the incident to avoid interfering with the police investigation.

The incident was recorded in a minute-long video, showing the moment when the explosive materials suddenly detonated without warning.

An image of the victim had also circulated online; however, at the family’s request, it was mostly taken down from several social media accounts.

In response to the incident, the Negeri Sembilan Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) issued a no-interference order on 2 January.

This order aims to facilitate further investigations into hotel management and involves the seizure of several work-related documents, as reported by Bernama.

According to DOSH, employers bear the responsibility of ensuring health and safety at the workplace under Section 15(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

“The employer has full control over every activity in the workplace, must carry out a risk assessment and introduce effective risk controls before any work activity is carried out.

“This is to eliminate or reduce safety risks to workers and the public and to prevent accidents at work,” the statement read.

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