GAS PIPELINE LEAK CAUSES MASSIVE FIRE IN SELANGOR

KUALA LUMPUR, April1 (Bernama) -- A major gas pipeline fire broke out in Puchong in the state of Selangor on Tuesday morning and firefighting operations are currently still underway.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operations assistant director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar in confirming the incident said they received a distress call at 8.23 am and 41 firefighters from nine fire stations have been deployed to the scene.

He said the fire, which involved a gas pipeline leak with an estimated length of 500 metres, occurred near a public housing area and the department is evacuating residents living near the blaze.

"So far, we are unable to determine the number of victims involved,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

He added that several houses were also damaged in the fire.

As of 10.35 am, 25 victims of a fire caused by a burst gas pipeline were receiving initial treatment at a nearby temple.

A check by Bernama at the scene found that Health Ministry personnel were attending to all the victims.

All the victims sustained wounds, burns, and breathing difficulties.

It is understood that five victims have been transferred to Serdang Hospital for further treatment.

Meanwhile, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has confirmed that a fire occurred at Petronas Gas Bhd’s (PGB) main pipeline near Putra Heights, Puchong, Selangor, at 8.10 am today.

It said the affected pipeline has been isolated, and all relevant stakeholders have been informed. 

“We are currently working closely with the local authorities to manage the situation, and we will provide additional information in due course as the investigation is still being carried out,” it said in a statement today.

Petronas has assured that the safety of the surrounding community and environment and the security of the gas supply to the nation continue to be its utmost priority. 

-- BERNAMA