Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2 April:
Following a series of explosions from a gas pipeline, a catastrophic fire engulfed an area outside Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, which left 145 individuals badly burnt. Petronas, the Malaysian oil company, as well as local officials, confirmed this incident and attributed it to a leaking gas pipe owned by Petronas.
Following an official announcement, Petronas stated that the explosion was so impactful that it generated flames that reached 20 stories high. The explosion also created a massive hole in the ground, which caused panic within the nearby residential community.
145 People Suffer Burns, 67 in Critical Condition
Zulkefli Ahmad, Health Minister of Malaysia provided an update on the casualties, stating that from the 145 injured, three were children. He additionally stated that 67 victims sustained severe burns and are currently receiving treatment at government hospitals, while 37 others have been admitted to clinics and private medical facilities.
Authorities have deployed emergency response teams across the affected areas to assist the injured and coordinate rescue operations. Hospitals and medical centers are on high alert as they manage the influx of burn victims.
Extensive Property Damage
The explosion caused widespread devastation, with the fire department confirming that 190 houses and 148 vehicles sustained significant damage due to the intense flames and shockwaves. The authorities have imposed a security perimeter, restricting entry within a 290-meter radius of the site to ensure public safety.
Residents reported experiencing strong tremors at the moment of the explosion, with many initially mistaking it for an earthquake. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as flames engulfed nearby properties, forcing people to evacuate their homes immediately.
Investigation Underway
Fire and safety officials are currently investigating the cause of the explosion, assessing whether it was triggered by technical failure, negligence, or external factors. While Petronas has pledged full cooperation with the authorities, residents and advocacy groups are urging for stricter safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian government has assured affected families that relief measures will be provided, including temporary housing assistance and financial aid for those who have lost their homes.
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