Key Points:
- Explosion Details: A massive fire erupted from a leaking Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Selangor, near Kuala Lumpur, injuring 33 people, six of whom are hospitalized.
- Evacuations Ordered: Nearby residential areas were evacuated as the fire spread to homes, with some residents trapped and later rescued.
- Cause Identified: The blaze was caused by a 500-meter-long gas pipeline leak; the valve has been shut off to prevent further damage.
- Rescue Operations: Dozens of firefighters and emergency teams are working to contain the fire and assist affected individuals.
Kuala Lumpur: A massive explosion rocked the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital on Tuesday morning after a gas pipeline operated by state energy firm Petronas caught fire. The incident occurred in Putra Heights, Selangor, and resulted in 33 injuries, including six individuals who were hospitalized with burn injuries. The towering flames and mushroom-shaped cloud were visible from several kilometers away, causing widespread panic among residents.
What Happened?
The fire broke out at approximately 8:10 AM local time due to a leak in a 500-meter-long section of the pipeline. The Selangor Disaster Management Committee confirmed that the valve to the affected pipeline has been shut off to stop the flow of gas and prevent further explosions.
Videos shared on social media captured the dramatic scene, showing fiery clouds billowing into the sky followed by thick plumes of smoke. Residents reported hearing a loud bang before chaos ensued. “We immediately left the house and saw other residents evacuating too,” said one resident living just 200 meters from the site.
Impact on Residential Areas
The explosion caused severe damage to nearby homes, with several catching fire. Rescue teams successfully evacuated trapped individuals, including two elderly persons. Many residents have been temporarily relocated to a nearby mosque that has been converted into a relief center.
The timing of the incident during Eid celebrations added to the distress of those affected. Families celebrating the end of Ramadan were forced to flee their homes as flames engulfed parts of their neighborhood.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Authorities deployed dozens of firefighters, medical response vehicles, water tankers, and hazardous materials units to control the blaze. Seven individuals trapped inside burning houses were rescued by emergency teams. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Petronas issued a statement confirming that investigations into the cause of the leak are ongoing. Three nearby gas stations were temporarily closed as a precaution but did not sustain any damage.
Broader Implications
The incident highlights safety concerns surrounding aging infrastructure and industrial operations near residential areas. While Malaysia’s energy sector is critical to its economy, such accidents underline the need for stricter safety protocols and regular maintenance checks.
As rescue operations continue, authorities are assessing the full extent of damage caused by this catastrophic explosion. For now, affected families are being provided shelter and medical care while efforts are underway to extinguish remaining flames and ensure no further risk to life or property. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in critical infrastructure projects.
