A spokesman for the Sarawak fire and rescue operations centre said a team from the Lawas fire and rescue station was dispatched to the scene after they received a report at 2.50pm.

“Upon arrival at the scene, the operation commander said the extent of the fire and explosion was within a 400-metre radius. The fire also razed a motorcycle, an excavator, a bulldozer and a lorry.

“One victim, identified as Hadi Wiyono, was confirmed dead inside the excavator, while two others, identified as Hendrick and Gabriel Meripa, suffered burns on the limbs,” he said in a statement today.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Meanwhile, Limbang division resident Sebi Abang has urged the public in Long Ugui, Lawas, not to approach the SSGP project site following the blast.

Sebi, who is also chairman of the Limbang division disaster committee, also asked all parties not to speculate about the Long Ugui-Long Sukang pipeline incident.

“We will wait for the official report from the authorities,” he added.

Petronas said the incident was believed to have involved a third party contractor performing work “unrelated to SSGP operations nearby the pipeline’s right-of-way area”.

“A police report has been lodged regarding this incident and an investigation will commence,” it said in a statement.

The state-owned oil and gas company said it had sent its emergency response team to the area.

“We will work closely with the authorities to take the necessary action and preventive measures to contain the situation and safeguard the safety of the surrounding community and environment.”