Gas pipeline fire in Malaysia affects dozens of homes, causing casualties

Malaysia’s national oil company-operated natural gas pipeline suspected of leakage today caused a massive fire, impacting 49 residential buildings and sending 63 people to the hospital, with casualties already reported.

According to reports from Reuters and Sin Chew Daily, Malaysia’s national oil company issued a statement on Tuesday (April 1) stating that a fire broke out at 8:10 a.m. on the main gas pipeline near the suburbs of Kuala Lumpur, close to the Butra Highlands in Selangor State.

Preliminary reports from the Selangor Fire Department indicate that approximately 500 meters of the pipeline were engulfed in flames, with the fire raging intensely and flames shooting high into the sky.

Authorities stated that due to the incident occurring near private residential areas, firefighters and other relevant agencies have begun evacuating nearby residents.

According to the Malaysian National News Agency, 12 people have been injured in the fire, with 82 others rescued. Sin Chew Daily reported that 49 residential buildings were affected by the fire, with 63 people hospitalized; earlier reports suggested at least one fatality.

The blaze forced residents celebrating the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr to flee their homes.