Fire on Petronas Gas Pipeline Sends Dozens to Malaysian Hospitals

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Fire Erupts from Petronas Gas Pipeline in Malaysia, 145 Hospitalized

Flames and smoke billow from a fire that broke out at a gas pipeline operated by Petronas, Malaysia’s state energy company, in Puchong on April 1, 2025. — Reuters

145 individuals received treatment for injuries, according to health authorities.
Eyewitnesses at evacuation centers report chaotic scenes.
Prime Minister Ibrahim commits to fully restoring the area.

A significant fire ignited at a gas pipeline managed by Petronas, Malaysia’s state energy corporation, on Tuesday, April 1. The blaze sent flaming debris raining down and shattered windows, prompting a swift emergency response.

Officials confirmed that the fire, which occurred in Puchong, near Kuala Lumpur, was extinguished by mid-afternoon. Over 305 residents were impacted, including many who lost their homes as about 190 houses sustained damage.

Fortunately, there were no casualties reported, and according to the health minister, all injured individuals were in stable condition upon arrival at medical facilities. State news agency Bernama reported that 145 people were treated in hospitals, with 41 already discharged as they received care for burns, injuries, and respiratory issues.

Witnesses described an alarming scene, beginning with a powerful explosion that created a towering orange flame and thick smoke visible from great distances. Eyewitness Raja Hilmy Bin Raja Idris, 59, who lived about 1 kilometer away from the fire, remarked, “The fire was incredibly intense. When we saw debris falling from the sky and still on fire, we understood something terrible had occurred.”

Evian Wee, aged 50, initially thought a tornado or earthquake had struck. "I noticed a red glow moving around," she said. "I heard things crashing – glass, stones — all the windows shattered. First came the explosion, and then the windows began to shake violently. That’s when we realized it was an explosion that triggered the fire."

Petronas stated it had isolated the affected pipeline and was coordinating with all necessary parties to ensure community safety, environmental protection, and the security of the gas supply.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared that both the state government and Petronas will take full accountability for the recovery efforts in the area, estimating that it may take up to a year to complete the restoration process. "Determining the fire’s cause will take time. A comprehensive investigation is crucial. Our immediate concern is safety, and it seems to be under control for now," he stated, adding that financial assistance would be provided to those affected in the meantime.

A view showing homes destroyed by the fire at the Petronas gas pipeline in Puchong, Malaysia, on April 1, 2025. — Reuters