Thursday, June 7, 2018

Tragic Gas Explosion at Don Bosco Sihanoukville

Tragic Gas Explosion at Don Bosco Sihanoukville

(ANS – Sihanoukville, Cambodia – June 7) – A powerful explosion happened on June 7 at the Mechanics Department of Don Bosco Technical School in Sihanoukville at about 1:10 p.m. and took the life of teacher Sarat Seng, manager of the mechanics workshop. It seems have been a gas explosion, probably from the machines of the Mechanics Department.

Members of the Sihanoukville Police Department came to the school about one hour after the accident. As of this posting, they were still on campus conducting their investigation.

All students were summoned to the school hall and dismissed until new further notice. The Salesians closed the school for the time being and ask for prayers and solidarity, especially for Mr. Sarat Seng and his widow and two little children.

The very powerful explosion took place behind the Mechanics Department and affected most of the campus, breaking windows and roof tiles and affecting the hearing of the people nearby, some dazed from the loud explosion. The school solar panels were not affected, as they are located on another building. In the beginning, people first thought it was lighting, common in Sihanoukville. 

The manager of electricity in Sihanoukville said to teacher Seyha of Don Bosco Kep that it seems that Mr. Sarat Seng was operating a gas welding device. When the explosion took place, fortunately for others, the students were standing at a distance. Hans Kluecle, SES expert in construction – an expert in explosions – saw the photos and believed it seemed to be a bottle, like an extinguisher. 

Three other persons – 2 students and a teacher – were brought to the hospital according to the latest updates and seem to be recovering well. One student lost his right hand. 

The worry now is to support the family of Mr. Sarath, as well as the wounded persons.

For further information, please visit the Facebook page or website of Don Bosco Foundation of Cambodia.

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