Chia Poh Ling*, Kuah K.L, Lim Chin Chin, Michael Tay Ming Kiong
6th FINEX conference, Dublin, Ireland, April 2009 (poster presentation)
[abstract]
Objectives: Two cases involving LPG flash fires and/or explosions were encountered in the year 2007. In both cases, fractured tubings with sharp ends and relatively smooth crosssectional surfaces were found. The sharp ends were characteristic of damages caused by cuts using sharp cutting tools. However, the absence of toolmarks (eg. Striations) on the crosssectional surfaces of the tubings was unusual. The Forensic Chemistry and Physics Laboratory was required to examine the damaged rubber tubings to determine the cause of the fractures and for evidence of tampering.
Case 1: Preliminary investigation by scene officers revealed that the rubber tubing connecting the gas cylinder and the cooking stove was found to be damaged, with both ends appearing to have been cut.
Case 2: Preliminary investigation revealed that the lock of the main door was bolted, suggesting that the main door was locked from inside of the unit before the explosion and dislocation of the main door. The rubber tubing connecting the gas cylinder and the cooking stove was found to be damaged, with both ends appearing to have been cut.