Massive Fire at Petronas Gas Pipeline in Malaysia

 

A major fire broke out at a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia’s state energy company Petronas on April 1, injuring 33 people and forcing residents to flee their homes in the middle of Eid celebrations. The fire, which erupted in Putra Heights near Kuala Lumpur, sent flames towering over residential areas and was visible from Subang Jaya and Puchong.

According to the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department, the blaze was caused by a gas pipeline leak stretching approximately 500 meters. A loud explosion was reported before the fire spread, engulfing several homes. Seven residents had to be rescued, and six people were hospitalized due to injuries.

The fire department received an emergency call at 8:10 am. Firefighters from Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Puchong were deployed to the scene. The valve to the affected pipeline was shut off to prevent further escalation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as families fled their homes. One resident, living just 200 meters from the explosion site, recalled hearing a loud bang before rushing outside to find others evacuating as well. Videos of the massive inferno quickly spread online, with many speculating that the fire originated near a petrol station in Putra Heights.

Subang Jaya MP Wong Chen confirmed in a statement that the fire had indeed broken out at a petrol station. He urged citizens to remain on high alert as the authorities worked to contain the situation. The Fire and Rescue Department also deployed a helicopter to assess the scale of the fire and aid in emergency response efforts.

Community news platform SJ Echo shared footage of the incident, showing thick plumes of smoke and flames engulfing structures in the area. Some reports initially suggested that the explosion occurred at a petrol station, while others pointed to a pipeline leak as the primary cause.

Residents enjoying the public holiday for Eid were caught off guard by the disaster. Many were forced to abandon their celebrations and evacuate to safety. Authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the leak and assessing the extent of the damage.

This incident raises concerns about the safety of gas infrastructure in residential areas, particularly the risks posed by leaks and explosions. Emergency response teams continue to monitor the situation, while affected residents await further updates from officials.

The full extent of the damage, including structural losses and environmental impact, remains under assessment. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected areas while cleanup and repair efforts are underway.