KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – More than 100 people sustained injuries after a massive fire erupted due to a gas pipeline explosion on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday morning.
The incident occurred around 8:10 a.m. local time in the Putra Heights area of Selangor state, creating widespread panic as flames engulfed homes and forced emergency evacuations.
Authorities identified the gas pipeline as belonging to Petronas, Malaysia’s state-run energy company. The explosion sent a towering fireball into the sky, igniting a rapid spread of flames that posed a significant threat to nearby residential areas.
The timing of the disaster heightened concerns, as many residents were at home celebrating the Eid holiday. Emergency responders quickly mobilized, with firefighters and medical teams arriving at the scene to assist victims and contain the fire.
According to the state’s disaster management unit, at least 112 individuals suffered injuries, with 63 requiring hospitalization for burns, respiratory distress, and other related ailments. While no fatalities have been confirmed, officials cautioned that the number of serious cases could rise.
Local authorities reported that at least 49 homes suffered damage in the explosion and subsequent fire, leaving dozens of families displaced.
Some houses experienced severe structural destruction, while others sustained heat and smoke damage. Rescue teams worked tirelessly to evacuate affected residents, with 82 people successfully extracted from the most dangerous areas by the time of the latest update.
Selangor’s Chief Minister announced that temporary shelters had been arranged for displaced residents, with a nearby mosque serving as the primary refuge.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety of all affected individuals. Medical aid, food, and essential supplies are being provided,” the minister stated during a press briefing.
Eyewitnesses described the harrowing moments following the explosion, with one resident recounting how the force of the blast shattered windows and sent people running for safety.
“I heard a loud explosion, and suddenly, there was fire everywhere. People were screaming and trying to escape,” said Ahmad Firdaus, a local resident who suffered minor burns while helping his neighbors evacuate.
Petronas issued a statement expressing deep concern over the incident and confirming that an investigation was underway to determine the cause of the explosion. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities and prioritizing the well-being of affected communities,” the company stated.
Firefighters managed to contain the blaze after several hours, though monitoring efforts continued to prevent potential flare-ups. Authorities also urged residents in the vicinity to remain cautious and follow safety instructions as assessments of the damaged infrastructure continued.
The Malaysian government pledged swift action to support those impacted by the explosion, with disaster relief agencies coordinating aid distribution.
Investigators are expected to examine whether maintenance issues, technical failures, or external factors contributed to the pipeline explosion.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, emergency services remain on high alert to assist victims and ensure public safety in the affected region.
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