More than 100 people were injured after a burst gas pipe caused a fiery explosion in Malaysia. The incident, which occurred near Kuala Lumpur, turned a quiet public holiday into chaos Tuesday morning. Muslims were celebrating the second day of Eid when a huge fireball surged into the sky after a gas pipe burst in Putra Heights, outside Malaysia’s largest city.
CNN reported that several houses caught fire, and the massive flames could be seen miles away.
The fire stemmed from a ruptured gas pipeline near a busy gas station. National oil company Petronas, which operates the gas pipeline, confirmed the cause of the fire and noted that it started at 8:10 a.m.
In response, the company quickly isolated the section, preventing further damage, according to the news outlet.
However, the raging flames swiftly spread and caused significant damage. The Selangor State Fire Department reported that the flames reached heights of up to 20 stories at their peak. Firefighters were not able to safely approach the blaze to contain it until around 2:45 p.m., according to CNN.
Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan shared the horrifying aftermath of the fire, explaining that at least 49 homes suffered significant damage, and 112 people were injured. Among the injured, 63 victims required hospitalisation for burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries. Evacuations were ordered immediately by Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari. At the time of the incident, it was reported that those displaced would be arranged to stay in nearby mosques until the situation stabilises.
Victims of the fire recalled their experience with news outlets. One victim, Lee Weng Ken, recounted the harrowing escape that left him with burns on his left leg, saying, “I rushed out of my house but fell and suffered burns due to the heat from the blaze near my house.” Ken’s ceiling collapsed from the fire, and his car was also crushed when the building came down.
Another resident, known only as Andy, described the chaos, saying, “I could only take the car out. My 18-year-old daughter injured her foot when she fell while climbing the fence due to the heat.” Andy and his family rushed out of the house when they felt the earth shaking from the incident and saw the fire 100 metres away.
While investigations into the incident continue, Petronas closed three unaffected gas stations as a safety precaution.
