Putra Heights gas pipeline fire: What we know so far

Apr 2, 2025

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm whether excavation work contributed to the fire.

KUALA LUMPUR (April 2): A massive gas pipeline fire erupted yesterday (April 1) in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, displacing hundreds of residents and causing widespread devastation.

The fire, which broke out at 8.10am, started with an explosion, sending flames soaring 20 stories into the air.

The blaze, visible from kilometers away, displaced 305 residents and destroyed 225 vehicles, with another 174 damaged. Despite the destruction, no fatalities were reported.

Emergency response and evacuations

Firefighters from across Selangor, including teams from Subang Jaya, Puchong, Shah Alam and Klang, battled the blaze, which was extinguished at 3.45pm. Over 325 personnel from 11 agencies were involved in the operation.

Medical teams treated 100 victims at hospitals across the Klang Valley, with 12 in critical condition, 50 suffering moderate injuries, and 38 sustaining minor wounds.

Many were treated for burns, lacerations, and smoke inhalation at Putrajaya Hospital, Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.

Temporary shelters were set up at Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple and Masjid Putra Heights to house those left homeless.

Meanwhile, the ELITE Highway, was which was temporarily closed between Seafield and Bandar Saujana Putra, has been reopened to traffic.

Extent of damage and impact

According to the Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), 88 buildings, including 78 homes and 10 shophouses, were burned, with damage ranging from 10% to 90%.

Many residents lost everything, fleeing their homes with only the clothes on their backs. The fire also caused power outages in parts of Subang Jaya and Putra Heights.

Government and Petronas announce compensation

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari visited the site, announcing that compensation would be provided through a joint effort by the federal government, Selangor state government and Petronas.

Homeowners whose properties were completely destroyed would receive RM5,000 for temporary accommodation, while those with partially damaged homes would get RM2,500.

Anwar stated the government’s commitment to residents’ safety and well-being, though he warned that rebuilding efforts could take over a year.

Investigation and safety measures

Authorities shut off four main gas valves in Dengkil, Puchong, Batu Tiga, and Meru, ensuring no further gas flow and reducing the risk of another explosion.

Investigations are underway, with Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirming that authorities are looking into claims that unauthorized digging at Petronas reserve land may have triggered the gas leak.

To maintain security, 35 General Operations Force (GOF) members were deployed, while cleanup efforts are expected to take at least 24 hours. The affected area, spanning 28 hectares and covering Taman Harmoni and Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, has been sealed off.

Residents remain in shelters

Displaced residents have been urged by authorities not to return home for at least 48 hours due to ongoing structural damage assessments and gas leak inspections.

While some were allowed to retrieve belongings under supervision, many remain in shelters. Electricity is still unavailable in the affected areas.

Meanwhile, New Straits Times reported that Subang Jaya Mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim confirmed that the development project near the explosion site had undergone proper approvals in 2022, including permission from Petronas and Indah Water Konsortium (IWK).

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities yet to confirm whether excavation work contributed to the fire.

A preliminary report is expected within 72 hours, with officials asking the public not to speculate and to report any relevant information.

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Source: EdgeProp.my