PGN Confirms No Methane Gas Detected After Suspected House Explosion in Medan

AHMAD ZULFIKAR SAGALA - Tuesday, 21 July 2026 22:30
PHOTO: Archive
DAMAGED HOUSE AFTER EXPLOSION: The condition of damage to a residential house on Jalan Grand Polonia, Medan, North Sumatra, following an explosion on Monday, July 20, 2026.

MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The suspected explosion incident at a residential house on Jalan Grand Polonia, Medan, North Sumatra, on Monday, July 20, 2026, has drawn the attention of PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) (Persero) Tbk. The company immediately took action by deploying technical teams and emergency response personnel to ensure public safety and assess the condition of the natural gas network surrounding the incident area.

The incident raised concerns among local residents and relevant authorities. After receiving information regarding the suspected explosion, PGN promptly conducted an on-site inspection to determine whether the incident was related to the natural gas distribution network.

The Head of PGN Medan Area, Agus Kurniawan, expressed his deepest sympathy for those affected by the incident. He emphasized that public safety remains PGN's top priority in every response measure following an incident.

PGN Secures Area and Inspects Natural Gas Pipelines

Agus stated that PGN immediately dispatched technical teams and emergency personnel to the scene. The teams carried out various safety procedures, including temporarily stopping gas distribution and inspecting the condition of natural gas pipelines around the affected residential area.

The inspection was conducted to ensure that no further risks originated from the natural gas infrastructure. PGN also coordinated the examination with relevant external parties to detect possible gas presence at the location.

"Based on gas measurements conducted by PGN teams this evening at the incident site with the involvement of relevant external parties, including areas on the first and second floors of the affected house, a reading of 0 ppm was recorded. This means no methane gas (natural gas) was detected in the incident area," Agus said in an official statement on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

The inspection results confirmed that no methane gas or natural gas was detected inside the affected residential area. PGN stated that the assessment was part of its efforts to ensure environmental safety and provide clarity to the public regarding the situation.

NO METHANE GAS DETECTED: PGN Medan Area Head Agus Kurniawan explains the results of gas detection tests, which found no methane gas at the incident location. (PHOTO: Archive)

Explosion Cause Awaits Official Investigation

Although PGN's inspection found no methane gas at the scene, the company has not drawn any conclusion regarding the cause of the suspected explosion. PGN stated that determining the actual cause remains the responsibility of the relevant authorities through an official investigation.

"The exact cause of this incident must still await the results of the official investigation conducted by the authorized authorities," Agus said.

PGN assured that it would continue monitoring the investigation process and support the actions taken by relevant agencies. The company will also maintain communication with authorities and related institutions to ensure that all response measures at the location are carried out properly.

"We continue to coordinate intensively with local authorities and relevant agencies to ensure that actions at the site are carried out properly. At the same time, we are monitoring developments and will provide further information according to the progress of the situation," Agus explained.

GEGANA TEAM SECURES INCIDENT SITE: The Gegana unit of the North Sumatra Police secures the area and coordinates with relevant authorities following the suspected explosion incident. (PHOTO: Archive)

PGN Reaffirms Commitment to Public Safety

PGN reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing safety aspects in the operation of its natural gas distribution services. The company ensured that all actions following the incident were carried out in accordance with applicable safety standards and procedures.

Following the suspected explosion incident, PGN continues to monitor conditions around the location and ensures that the public receives information based on the findings of the inspection. The company also expressed sympathy for affected residents and supports efforts to restore conditions at the scene.

Until now, the exact cause of the suspected residential house explosion on Jalan Grand Polonia, Medan, remains pending the results of an investigation by the competent authorities. However, joint inspections conducted by PGN and external parties confirmed that no methane gas was detected at the incident site. (IDNC)

REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala


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