PETALING JAYA – A massive fire caused by a gas pipeline leak forced people from their homes and injured more than 100 during Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations near Malaysia’s capital on April 1, fire officials said.
The fire started in the morning in the town of Puchong in the state of Selangor on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur.
The inferno, which was visible kilometres away, was caused by “a gas pipeline leak stretching approximately 500m”, said Selangor fire officials.
The valve to the affected pipeline, which belongs to Malaysia’s state-run oil firm Petronas, has been shut, the fire officials said in a statement.
While the early morning blaze was coming under control in the afternoon, more than 100 people were injured, the fire department told AFP.
About 60 of the injured were hospitalised, Selangor deputy police chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan was quoted as saying by local broadcaster Astro Awani.
Blaze reached 1,000 deg C, flames up to 30m high: Official
No deaths were reported but Malaysian news agency Bernama, citing the fire department, reported that the number of houses damaged by the inferno numbered 190 by mid-afternoon. It added that bungalows and double-storey terrace houses were nearly completely consumed by the blaze, while others were rendered uninhabitable due to fire damage.
It cited Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Wan Razali Wan Ismail as saying that the fire also damaged 148 cars and 11 motorcycles.
Bernama also reported that the department’s director-general, Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad, said that flames reached 30 metres high, with temperatures reaching 1,000 deg C.
The New Straits Times reported that firefighters extinguished the fire at 3.45pm and were in the process of extinguishing fires in surrounding homes.
Residents were enjoying a public holiday for
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
celebrations in Muslim-majority Malaysia when they were forced to flee the suburban area.
Nizam Mohamad Asnizam, 49, who lives 100m from the site of the fire, fled from his house with his family in his car.
“When I woke up, I saw the fire raging, with an extraordinary sound. I have never experienced a fire with this kind of sound. The sound was terrifying. It felt like a jet engine was next to me,” he told AFP.
“Stepping on the floor was like stepping on a hot wok. The heat was like putting your head in an oven. It felt like I was burning.”
Bernama said that residents likened the explosion to an earthquake.
Dashcam footage shared online shows a column of fire from what appears to be an explosion, creating a massive fireball that shot into the sky.
Another video shows a residential area covered in smoke while a huge fire blazed in the background. Singed trees and melted cars are also seen in the video.
Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari said in a Facebook post that a temporary relief centre had been set up at a nearby mosque.
He warned the public to stay away from the area affected by the fire while investigations and rescue work were being carried out.
Govt, Petronas to repair, replace damaged houses: Anwar
Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who visited the scene of the disaster at Putra Heights in Subang Jaya in the late afternoon, announced that the federal and state governments as well as Petronas would be responsible for repairing and replacing damaged houses.
He added that Petronas would provide cash aid to victims of the inferno.
According to Datuk Seri Anwar, those whose homes were completely destroyed will get RM5,000 (S$1,500) in assistance, while homeowners whose properties sustained damage will get RM2,500.
He said it could take up to a year for full recovery on the destruction left by the fire.
“Petronas and the entire government are currently discussing what short term and tangible measures can be made. (Recovery) could take up to a year. It is not like floods, where waters can subside after a week or two,” he told reporters.
He said he has ordered the entire government machinery to come up with suggestions and to engage with local residents on ensuring full recovery for victims.
“This is different from floods, as there is a lot of damage across housing areas. So, this requires more thorough planning. It cannot be solved in a few months. But, believe me, I will mobilise the entire government machinery to take immediate action,” said Datuk Seri Anwar. AFP, THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
39 fall ill in gas leak at Malaysia airport facilityAt least 4 dead after suspected gas explosion at popular mall in Taiwan
JoinST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
MalaysiaFiresSocial mediaOil and gas sector
