Massive Gas Pipeline Fire Erupts in Malaysian Suburb, Prompting Evacuations

  KUALA LUMPUR: A massive fire broke out in a Malaysian suburb outside Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday morning following a gas pipeline explosion, triggering evacuations and emergency response efforts.

The inferno erupted near a gas station in Putra Heights, Selangor, and was visible from several kilometers away. National oil company Petronas confirmed that the fire originated from one of its gas pipelines at 8:10 AM and that the affected section had been isolated to prevent further escalation.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

The Selangor Disaster Management Unit reported that the blaze had spread to multiple homes in a nearby village, with rescue operations underway to assist trapped residents. Several individuals sustained burn injuries and were taken for medical treatment, although authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage.

"The pipeline valve has been shut off, and this will eventually snuff out the fire," officials said in a statement.

Fire and rescue teams, including dozens of Selangor firefighters, were deployed to the scene. According to The Star, emergency teams successfully rescued at least seven people from the affected area.

Selangor’s Chief Minister, Amirudin Shari, confirmed that residents were quickly evacuated from nearby homes and temporarily relocated to a mosque as a precautionary measure.

Eyewitness Accounts and Social Media Reaction

Videos and images of the towering fireball quickly went viral on social media, with eyewitnesses reporting tremors strong enough to shake doors and windows. Some residents described feeling the shockwave from the explosion, highlighting the intensity of the blast.

While three gas stations near the fire site were not directly affected, Petronas announced their temporary closure as a safety measure. Investigations into the cause of the pipeline rupture remain ongoing.