GEORGE TOWN: An elderly man, who suffered severe burns to his body following an explosion at his apartment unit here, is still in critical condition, said his son Lee Chye Soon.
Speaking to reporters here today, Chye Soon said the family is praying for Lee Kon Eang’s swift recovery.
He said the family was still reeling from the explosion that reduced their home to rubble.
“My wife and child will be moving into my mother-in-law’s house while our flat is being rebuilt.
“It is a trying time but thankfully, we have our family to support us,” he said when met at his apartment unit in Jalan Paya Terubong here today.
Chye Soon was visited by Paya Terubong assemblyman Yeoh Soo Hin, who was accompanied by representatives from the Fire and Rescue Department and the Penang Island City Council.
Yeoh said the Welfare Department would give Lee's family a RM500 cash aid.
He also said he will contact the district office to look into expediting the reconstruction of the unit.
It was reported that two units in the flat exploded when Kok Eang, who had woken up early, was lighting a cigarette.
It is believed that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
Kok Eang, who has been living in the unit for the past 15 years with his son, daughter-in-law and grandchild, was rushed to the Penang Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.
He suffered 80 per cent burns to his body.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Che Zaimani Che Awang said the other three occupants of the house, who had been sleeping in the room, were not injured.
He said the two occupants of the neighbouring unit, who were in their living room when the explosion occurred, also escaped unscathed.