SEVEN INJURED IN GAS PIPE EXPLOSION AT JAKARTA'S PLAZA INDONESIA

Jakarta, Sept 19 (ANTARA) - Seven people were injured in a gas pipe explosion at the Plaza Indonesia shopping complex in central Jakarta early Friday morning.
According to the Jakarta Metropolitan Police Traffic Management Center (TMC), three of the wounded had to be rushed to the Pelni Hospital in Petamburan for intensive treatment of burns.
The three were identified as Sunarto (39), Suhartono (23), and Tri Widi (22). Their identity cards showed Sunarto was a resident of Gang Jati in Mampang Prapatan sub district, Suhartono of Bukit Duri Bundar in Tebet sub district, and Tri Widi also of Mampang Prapatan in South Jakarta.
Besides the three hospitalized victims, four other people were also injured but not too seriously so they were only sent home.
The TMC said the explosion originated from a leaking gas pipe which was being repaired.
Meanwhile, Plaza Indonesia spokesman M Sjohirin said the explosion was a pure accident that had happened when a defective gas pipe at a restaurant in the Plaza Indonesia basement was being replaced.
"I say the explosion was purely a working accident and it was not from a bomb," Sjohirin said, adding that the blast occurred at the Imperial Treasure Restaurant in the building's basement.
Police so far have been making an intensive investigation to find out the blast which left seven injured and three of them were were sent to Pelni hospital.
Jakarta Police chief Senior Commissioner Ike Edwin said earlier that at least four witnesses were questioned in relation with the incident.