Massive Petronas Gas Pipeline Fire in Malaysia Injures Scores, Leaves Hundreds Homeless

KUALA LUMPUR - A massive fire at a Petronas gas pipeline near Kuala Lumpur sent flaming debris raining from the sky, shattering windows and forcing evacuations as scores of people were rushed to hospitals on Tuesday.

The blaze, which erupted in the town of Puchong on the capital's outskirts, was extinguished by mid-afternoon. Authorities confirmed at least 305 people were affected, with around 190 homes damaged, leaving many homeless. While no fatalities were reported, 145 people sought hospital treatment-41 have since been discharged-for burns, respiratory issues, and other injuries, according to Health Ministry data cited by state news agency Bernama.

Chaos and Panic as Fire Erupts

Dramatic footage shared on social media showed a towering orange inferno and thick plumes of smoke visible for miles. Witnesses described panic after an initial explosion, with burning debris crashing down onto homes and streets.

Raja Hilmy Bin Raja Idris, 59, whose house was 1 km from the blast, said: "The fire was raging high. Then flaming debris started falling everywhere-that's when we knew something terrible had happened."

Evian Wee, 50, recounted: "I saw a red glow moving... then heard glass shattering. The windows shook violently -we thought it was an earthquake. Only later did we realize it was an explosion."

Petronas Responds, PM Pledges Support

Petronas, Malaysia's state energy giant, said it had isolated the pipeline and was coordinating with authorities to ensure community safety and gas supply stability.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim vowed that Petronas and the government would fully fund recovery efforts, warning that repairs could take up to a year. "Our priority is safety. A thorough investigation will follow, but for now, affected families will receive financial aid," he said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.