Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], April 1: A huge gas pipeline explosion occurred in the city of Subang Jaya in Malaysia on the morning of April 1, causing a fire that spread to surrounding residential areas.
According to Malay Mail , the gas pipeline explosion occurred in Subang Jaya city, Selangor state ( Malaysia ) at around 8:10 am (local time) after the pipeline leaked. Images on social media showed huge flames rising, twice as high as nearby high-rise buildings.
The explosion set fire to about 500 gas pipelines and is spreading to surrounding areas. Petronas shut off valves to the pipelines, but the fire continues. Some local residents said they saw their doors shake, possibly from the blast, according to AP. The explosion was so large it could be seen from miles away.
Local firefighters arrived at the scene 12 minutes after the explosion and evacuated surrounding residents. As of 10 a.m., seven people, including two elderly people, had been rescued by rescue and fire crews. No injuries have been reported and the extent of damage to nearby homes is being assessed. A total of 78 firefighters from multiple units are working at the scene.
Subang Jaya is a city in Selangor state, located near the capital Kuala Lumpur. Selangor governor Amirudin Shari said firefighters were trying to contain the fire and authorities had ordered the evacuation of residents in the surrounding area.
He said a temporary evacuation centre has been set up to shelter those affected until the situation is under control.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper