A massive fire triggered by a gas pipeline leak forced residents to flee their homes and injured over 100 people during Eid celebrations near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, fire officials reported on Tuesday.
The blaze, visible for kilometers, was caused by a gas pipeline leak spanning approximately 500 meters. Fire officials confirmed that the valve to the affected pipeline—belonging to state-run oil firm Petronas—had been shut off to stem the fire.
While the early morning inferno was gradually brought under control by the afternoon, more than 100 people sustained injuries, with around 60 hospitalized, according to Selangor deputy police chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan.
No fatalities have been reported, though about 50 houses were damaged by the incident. Residents, who were enjoying the Eid public holiday, were forced to evacuate the suburban area as the fire raged.
One local resident, Nizam Mohamad Asnizam, 49, recounted his harrowing experience, describing the roar of the fire and the intense heat that made it feel as if he was near a jet engine or inside an oven.
Dashcam footage shared online captured a massive fireball and thick smoke blanketing a residential area, while another video showed singed trees and melted cars amid the chaos.
Selangor Chief Minister Amirudin Shari announced on Facebook that a temporary relief center had been established at a nearby mosque, and he urged the public to avoid the affected area as investigations and rescue operations continue.