HELP University Blast: Victim Killed 3 Days Before Completing Internship, Just Celebrated 24th Birthday

One individual was killed, and nine others were injured in an explosion at HELP University in Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, on Monday (12 January).

A heartbreaking detail about the 24-year-old victim who passed away has emerged: he had just celebrated his birthday two days before the incident.

The victim, Soo Yu Jian (transliteration), was a third-year student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus.

He was undergoing his internship programme with an air-conditioning company, and on Monday, he was tasked with performing repair work at HELP University with another technician from his internship place, as reported by China Press.

The explosion claimed Soo’s life, just three days before he was scheduled to complete his internship

Head of the UTAR Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department, Professor Dr Chang Yoong Choon, said that the deceased was about to complete his three-month industrial training. Commenting on assistance to the victim’s family, Dr Chang said that UTAR provides insurance coverage to all students for any accidents, including injuries and death.

“The university will manage the relevant documentation and submit the claim to the insurance company. The management will also provide full support, including assistance with funeral arrangements,” he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) Forensic Department.

The victim’s family members were also present at HKL to identify the body.

Today (13 January), UTAR posted a statement, saying that the university is in contact with the relevant authorities and is providing necessary support to the victim’s family members.

Additionally, HELP University, in a statement, stated that it is working closely with medical services to ensure that those affected receive the appropriate medical assistance.

Checks are also being conducted on campuses to ensure a safe environment.

“We are immediately commencing our own internal checks to ensure the safety and integrity of the rest of our Bukit Damansara Campus as well as our Subang Bestari campus. We want to assure and affirm that the Subang Bestari campus will remain open for operations and classes,” the statement added.

As of now, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is still investigating the cause of the explosion.

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