A gas fire near Kuala Lumpur injures over 100 people and damages 50 homes. The explosion from a burst pipeline sent flames soaring into the sky.
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| A gas explosion near Kuala Lumpur injures more than 100 people and damages homes. The fireball from a burst gas pipeline lasted for hours. Investigation underway. Image: Collected |
Putra Heights, Malaysia — April 1, 2025:
A massive gas fire in Putra Heights, just outside Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has left over 100 people injured and damaged 50 homes. The explosion occurred early Tuesday morning when a gas pipeline burst, sending flames and a towering fireball into the sky. The inferno was visible for kilometers and lasted for several hours, shocking local residents during Malaysia's Eid holiday.
The fire started at around 8:10 a.m. at a gas pipeline operated by the national oil company Petronas. The company later isolated the affected pipeline, and authorities worked to extinguish the flames by shutting off valves. Firefighters managed to contain the fire by 2:45 p.m., but not before it had caused significant damage.
According to Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan, at least 112 people were injured, with 63 of them requiring hospitalization for burns, breathing difficulties, and other injuries. Nearly 50 homes were severely damaged by the fire, forcing local authorities to evacuate nearby residents for safety. These evacuees were temporarily relocated to mosques until the situation was under control.
The explosion, which was accompanied by strong tremors, sent residents fleeing in fear. Lee Weng Ken, one of the victims, recalled how the ceiling of his house collapsed, crushing his vehicle parked outside. He suffered burns while trying to escape. Another resident, Andy, recounted how he had to rush his family out of their home as flames approached dangerously close.
Petronas took precautionary measures, closing three nearby gas stations, though they were not directly impacted by the fire. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion, as authorities continue to assess the damage and coordinate recovery efforts.
With input from MY outlets