A massive fire erupted on the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital on Tuesday, triggered by a gas leak from a pipeline owned by state-run energy company Petronas.
The blaze injured over 100 people and caused widespread damage.
The explosion, which occurred at approximately 8:10 AM local time in the town of Putra Heights, Selangor state, sent a fireball into the sky that was visible for kilometres around.
A large plume of smoke also billowed above the area as the flames quickly spread, threatening nearby villages.
Selangor’s Deputy Police Chief, Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan, confirmed that at least 112 people were injured, with 63 needing hospitalisation for burns, breathing problems, and other injuries.
Authorities stated that no deaths have been reported so far, though some people were trapped in their homes when the fire broke out.
As rescue operations continued, Malaysia’s disaster management unit said that 82 residents had been rescued, and efforts to control the fire remained ongoing. Temporary shelters have been set up at nearby mosques for displaced families.
Local authorities confirmed that Petronas had isolated the pipeline, and fire crews were working to extinguish the flames. “The situation is being closely monitored, and safety measures are in place to prevent further harm,” a statement from Petronas said.
Social media was flooded with images and videos of the blaze, with many locals reporting strong tremors and loud bangs as the explosion occurred. “We immediately ran out of the house when we heard the explosion,” said a resident who was living about 200 meters from the site.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to evacuate the area and provide medical assistance to those affected. The Malaysian government has urged people in the vicinity to stay clear of the affected zone, and relief efforts are being coordinated.
The fire has left a significant mark on the local community, with 49 houses reported to have been damaged. Despite the severity of the blaze, authorities are hopeful that the situation will be under control soon.
Petronas expressed regret over the incident and reassured the public that they were taking all necessary steps to manage the aftermath. The firm pledged to continue cooperating with local authorities to ensure the safety of affected residents and restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire’s intensity had diminished, but a residual flame and smoke continued to be visible, according to witnesses several kilometres away.
