KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — A devastating fireball erupted outside Malaysia’s capital on Tuesday after a gas pipeline exploded, spreading flames to nearby homes and leaving more than 100 people injured. The massive blaze, which started in the Putra Heights area near Kuala Lumpur, sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky, creating panic among residents and causing widespread destruction.
The inferno, which could be seen from miles away, occurred on a public holiday as millions of Malaysians celebrated the second day of Eid. The timing of the disaster made the impact even more severe, as families were at home when the fire struck.
Explosion Sparks Fireball That Towers Over 20 Stories
According to Malaysia’s national oil company Petronas, the incident began at approximately 8:10 a.m., when a high-pressure gas pipeline suffered a sudden rupture. Within moments, the escaping gas ignited, creating a fireball that soared more than 20 stories into the air. Nearby residents reported hearing a deafening explosion, followed by intense heat waves that forced them to flee their homes.
The fire raged uncontrollably for several hours before disaster management officials managed to isolate the affected pipeline. Authorities confirmed that shutting off the gas supply at the main valves would eventually extinguish the blaze, but by then, the damage had already been done.
Widespread Damage and Injuries as Homes Catch Fire
The explosion’s impact was severe. At least 49 houses sustained significant damage, with roofs caving in and walls collapsing under the force of the blast. The fire spread rapidly, fueled by the gas, leaving residents scrambling for safety.
Authorities reported that 112 people sustained injuries, with at least 63 rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment. Many victims suffered burns, smoke inhalation, and injuries caused by falling debris.
Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan described the situation as chaotic, with emergency responders working tirelessly to rescue victims and prevent further casualties.
Survivors Describe Moments of Horror
Shocking images and videos of the fiery explosion quickly went viral on social media, showing massive flames engulfing buildings and sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Lee Weng Ken, a local resident, recounted the terrifying moment his house was partially destroyed.
“I was inside when suddenly the ceiling collapsed on top of me. The explosion crushed my car, and the heat was unbearable. I barely managed to escape, but my leg got burned,” he said while receiving treatment.
Another survivor, a man who identified himself only as Andy, described the frantic moments when he had to evacuate his family.
“We felt the ground shake. The windows rattled, and when I looked outside, I saw the flames rushing toward us. I grabbed my children, and we ran. My daughter hurt her foot trying to climb the fence to escape the heat,” he told Bernama news agency.
Firefighters Battle the Blaze as Evacuations Begin
Firefighters faced immense challenges in containing the flames due to the intensity of the fire and the risk of further explosions. It wasn’t until 2:45 p.m. that they were able to get close enough to begin extinguishing the remaining fires.
As a precautionary measure, the Selangor state government evacuated nearby homes, relocating affected residents to temporary shelters in mosques until it was safe to return.
Authorities Investigate the Cause of the Explosion
While the immediate priority was extinguishing the fire and assisting victims, authorities have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the pipeline rupture.
Petronas confirmed that three gas stations in the area were temporarily shut down as a safety measure, although none were directly impacted by the explosion.
“We are working closely with emergency responders and relevant agencies to determine the exact cause of the incident and to ensure that necessary safety measures are in place to prevent future occurrences,” a Petronas spokesperson said in a statement.
A Tragedy That Leaves a Lasting Impact
The explosion has left the community in shock, with many families now facing the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. As rescue teams continue their work and authorities assess the full extent of the damage, Malaysians across the country are offering their support to those affected by the disaster.
For now, questions remain about what led to such a catastrophic failure in the gas pipeline system. As investigators work to find answers, the residents of Putra Heights can only hope that such a tragedy never happens again.
