A massive fire erupted at a gas pipeline operated by Malaysia's state energy firm Petronas on April 1, 2025, causing significant injuries and damage on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. The incident, which began at 8:10 AM local time, quickly escalated into a towering inferno visible for miles, prompting urgent evacuation efforts and widespread panic among residents.
The fire broke out in Putra Heights, a suburb of Kuala Lumpur, and was triggered by a leak in the gas pipeline. Reports indicate that the flames reached heights of 20 stories at one point, creating a chaotic scene as debris rained down on nearby homes. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion followed by a fireball that lit up the sky, with one resident recalling, "All of a sudden, we heard a loud bang and then total chaos."
As the fire spread, it damaged at least 190 homes, with initial estimates indicating that over 305 people were affected by the blaze. Local authorities reported that at least 145 individuals sustained injuries, with many suffering from burns, breathing difficulties, and other health issues. Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan confirmed that 63 of those injured were hospitalized for treatment.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with dozens of firefighters dispatched to the scene. By mid-afternoon, the fire was reportedly under control, although efforts to fully extinguish the flames continued. Petronas announced that the affected pipeline had been isolated, and the valves had been shut off to help extinguish the fire.
Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari stated that residents from nearby homes were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Temporary shelters were set up in local mosques to accommodate those displaced by the fire. "We have evacuated residents from nearby homes as a safety measure," Shari explained, emphasizing the importance of ensuring community safety.
Despite the extensive damage and injuries, no fatalities have been reported. As rescue operations continued, officials worked to assess the full extent of the damage. Selangor’s disaster management unit confirmed that several people were still trapped in their homes, and rescue teams were actively working to reach them.
Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the chaos. One resident, Lee Weng Ken, recounted his terrifying experience: "I rushed out of my house but fell and suffered burns due to the heat from the blaze near my house." Another victim, known only as Andy, shared that his 18-year-old daughter injured her foot while escaping the flames.
Social media was flooded with images and videos of the inferno, illustrating the dramatic impact of the fire. Residents reported feeling tremors as the explosion shook their homes, with many describing shattered windows and doors. Evian Wee, a local resident, initially thought a tornado had struck due to the intensity of the blast, stating, "I saw a red glow moving around ... I kept hearing things falling - glass, stones, all crashing in."
As investigations into the cause of the fire began, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured the public that both the state government and Petronas would take full responsibility for restoring the affected area. He indicated that the recovery process could take up to a year and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the incident.
In the aftermath of the fire, Petronas announced the temporary closure of three nearby gas stations as a precaution, although they were not directly impacted by the blaze. The company stated that it is cooperating with local authorities to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and to address any environmental concerns.
The incident occurred during the Eid celebrations, a significant holiday for the Muslim majority in Malaysia, adding to the tragedy of the situation. Many residents were in the midst of festivities when the explosion occurred, turning a day of celebration into one of fear and uncertainty.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the fire, local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any safety concerns. The Selangor Disaster Management Committee is coordinating ongoing rescue and recovery efforts, with a focus on providing support to those affected.
In summary, the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with injuries, property damage, and ongoing rescue efforts. Authorities are working diligently to assess the situation and provide assistance to those in need, while investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
