In a shocking turn of events on the second day of Hari Raya, a massive explosion at a Petronas gas pipeline in Selangor’s Putra Heights left at least 33 injured and has disrupted the festive celebrations for many families.
The Incident
The fire erupted on 1 April 2024, engulfing approximately 500 metres of the pipeline. Local reports indicate that the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received the first distress call around 8.10 am. Eyewitness accounts described flames visible from several kilometres away, leading to widespread panic among residents.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
- Evacuations were carried out immediately, with 364 victims from 74 families housed in temporary shelters at the Putra Heights Mosque and Subang Jaya City Council Multipurpose Hall.
- Victims suffered from burns and smoke inhalation, and several homes caught fire as a result.
- Medical personnel were deployed to provide on-site assistance, including first aid for those affected.
Eyewitness Accounts
Residents like Zainab Manap, who had been celebrating the festive season, expressed both relief and frustration. “It was supposed to be a time of celebration but this incident occurred instead,” she said. Dealing with loss and displacement has now become their new reality.
Another affected resident, Che Afizy, had to rely on his family’s quick thinking to escape the flames. “I never imagined that such a thing could happen,” he noted, highlighting the substantial damage to his properties, including a rent house and vehicles.
Government Response
The Selangor state government has pledged to provide financial assistance to those affected, with RM5,000 (approximately US$1,123) for homes completely destroyed and RM2,500 for damaged properties. Authorities are set to investigate the cause of the explosion, including reports of illicit digging activities in the area.
A Community in Recovery
Support has flow from various quarters, with volunteers and local organisations stepping in to provide essentials like food, water, and clothing to those impacted. The mood at the temporary shelters is a mix of despair turning to resilience, as families band together to cope with their loss and look towards rebuilding their lives.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety regulations and the need for proper oversight in areas developing near critical infrastructure.