Malaysia Gas Pipeline Explosion Causes ‘Mushroom Cloud’ Blaze
Massive Gas Pipeline Explosion in Putra Heights, Malaysia, Causes Chaos
On Tuesday morning, a massive gas pipeline explosion rocked Putra Heights, Selangor, Malaysia. It sent a hundreds-of-metres high fireball skyward. The thick flames – visible for multiple kilometers – forced officials to commence evacuations of the surrounding neighborhoods.
Explosion Sparks ‘Mushroom Cloud’
Witnesses said they saw a huge blazing mushroom cloud rise up closely beside a gas station, in Putra Heights. Videos of the explosion spread quickly on social media as the fire engulfed the area nearby. Wan Mohamad Razali Wan Ismail, the head of the fire department, confirmed that the fire was caused by a gas line explosion at Petronas.
Emergency Responders and Rescue
Fire rescue teams were dispatched after a distress call was received at 8:10 AM, according to assistant operations director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar. The fire on the gas pipeline spanned over 500 meters. It required several fire trucks and rescue trucks, medical response vehicles, and hazardous materials units.
The number of fellow residents injured has not been confirmed by officials at this time. Also, it has been reported that multiple homes erupted in flames, resulting in residents being trapped inside. Injured residents have been evacuated to an emergency relief center located at the Putra Heights Mosque Multipurpose Hall to receive medical assistance, including treatment for burn injuries.
Gas Pipeline Shut Down to Prevent Further Explosions
The impacted natural gas pipeline has been shut down to prevent further explosions, and first respondents are treating the gas lines by trying to purge the remaining gas. These ongoing measures are still under review. While the event continues to gain traction in the trending news today, officials continue to investigate the cause. At this time, officials are now concentrating fully on the safety of residents in the impacted area.
