A massive fire ignited by a leaking gas pipeline on the outskirts of Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, has injured more than 100 people, as per Al Jazeera.
The inferno, which could be seen for kilometers around, erupted following an explosion and fireball at 8:10 am (00:10 GMT) on Tuesday in the suburb of Putra Heights, located in central Selangor state.
According to Selangor’s chief minister, the blaze was caused by a leak in a gas pipeline belonging to state-run energy firm Petronas. The incident occurred during a public holiday for the Muslim Eid celebration, raising concerns as the fire quickly threatened nearby villages, according to state news agency Bernama.
Selangor Deputy Police Chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan reported that at least 49 houses have been damaged and 112 people injured. Sixty-three of the injured were sent to the hospital for treatment of burns, breathing difficulties, and other injuries. No fatalities have been reported so far.
The state’s disaster management unit released a statement indicating that rescue efforts were underway to assist trapped residents, with several people being treated for burns.
The Selangor chief minister stated that 82 people had been rescued and that affected residents would be temporarily housed in a nearby mosque until the situation is brought under control.
Images and videos of the massive fireball quickly spread across social media platforms. Residents reported feeling a strong tremor that shook the doors and windows of their homes.
Petronas issued a brief statement confirming that the pipeline had been isolated. Disaster management officials said shutting the valves will eventually extinguish the fire.
Petronas also stated that three gas stations located near the site were not affected but have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure. An investigation into the cause of the leak is currently underway.
