 "Huge fire near Malaysia capital after leak at Petronas gas pipeline. Reuters")
At least 63 people were left injured in Malaysia on Tuesday after a Petronas gas pipeline burst into flames, causing widespread fires. Authorities are currently trying to control the fire and evacuating residents from the area.
The fire started on Tuesday morning in the town of Puchong in Selangor state on the outskirts of the capital Kuala Lumpur and those taken to hospitals had suffered burns, respiratory problems or other injuries, authorities said.
In a statement, the state energy firm Petronas said that the affected pipeline has been isolated after it closed off the valve on the 500 m. Nearly 50 houses in the area have been affected by the fire.
The fire started on Tuesday morning with a towering orange blaze on the horizon and a large plume of smoke above, according to early images carried by news outlets and footage shared on social media.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsSelangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari said the fire department evacuated nearby homes as a safety measure and the residents will be placed in mosques nearby until the situation is under control.
While no deaths have been reported from the accident yet, the extent of the injuries and damages caused by the fire remains unknown. Authorities had earlier said some people were trapped in their homes.
Petronas said it was working closely with all relevant parties to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, environment and security of gas supply to the country.
Lee Weng Ken, who suffered burns to his left leg, said he was shocked when the ceiling of his house collapsed and crushed his vehicle parked in the compound of the house.
“I rushed out of my house but fell and suffered burns due to the heat from the blaze near my house,” he told Bernama.
Another victim who only wanted to be known as Andy, told Bernama he ran out of his home with his children when they felt tremors and saw the raging fire about 100 metres (yards) away.
“I could only take the car out. My 18-year-old daughter injured her foot when she fell while climbing the fence due to the heat," he said.
With inputs from agencies