Pipeline fire near Malaysian petrol station hospitalises 63, damages 190 homes

FAZRY ISMAIL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

FIRE AND RESCUE authorities in the Malaysian state of Selangor have confirmed that at least 63 people are being treated in hospital following a pipeline fire.

The Selangor deputy police chief Mohamad Zaini Abu Hassan told a press conference this morning they were being treated for “burns, respiratory issues and other injuries”, while 49 more have reported injuries that didn’t require hospital treatment.

The fire department has also confirmed that at least 190 homes have been damaged by the fire.

The Bernama state news agency confirmed that by 15:45 local time the fire had been extinguished.

Malaysian state-owned oil and gas company Petronas confirmed a fire broke out at 08:10 local time at a gas pipeline near a petrol station in Putra Heights, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. Petronas said that the 500 m pipeline has since been isolated. The company said in a statement: “Petronas is working closely with all relevant parties to ensure the safety of the surrounding community, environment and security of gas supply to the nation, which remains our utmost priority.”

The company added that they closed three nearby petrol stations as a precaution, although they are not believed to have been affected.

Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said that at the fire’s peak, the flames were around 30 m high. He confirmed that by 13:55 local time the fire was “ebbing”. The Associated Press reported that the flames were only small enough for firefighters to approach by 14:45.

Possible causes of the fire have not yet been discussed by authorities. Nor Hisham told the Bernama news agency: “I think it’s a bit early for us to make a statement [regarding the cause], so the investigation will be carried out led by the police, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, and related agencies to identify the cause of the incident.

“When the investigation is complete, we will state the cause of the incident.”

However, local engineer Mugillan Lachmana told the Sinar Daily newspaper that it was possible the fire was caused by excavation work above the pipeline.

He said: “Excavation work typically requires a comprehensive utility mapping report to locate all underground services, including gas pipelines, before any digging begins.” Malaysian gas authorities should then be informed so they can isolate the pipeline. Lachmana speculated that one or more steps in this protocol being missed could have caused the fire.

Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced immediate aid of RM5,000 (US$1,126) to people whose homes were destroyed, and RM2,500 to those whose homes were partially damaged. In a statement on Facebook this morning he said he is “praying for the smooth facilitation of all matters for the personnel involved in Putra Heights”.

Deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who also chairs the national disaster management committee, said he would “pray” for the safety of all involved.