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PETALING JAYA, Apr 1 — A terrifying gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights has left residents in shock and fear as they recount their harrowing escape from the flames. The fire, which broke out around 8:10 am, brought intense heat and explosions, forcing residents to flee for their lives.
Masri Ariffin, a local resident, told Malay Mail about the frightening moments his family endured. “The heat was so intense that we knew if we didn’t run, we wouldn’t survive,” Masri said, recounting how he and his family barely escaped the blaze. His home, along with those of his two sisters, was located about 600 meters from the fire. Unable to exit through the front due to the heat, Masri and his family had to flee through the back of their house, heading to a nearby river for safety.
“The river was the only place that kept us cool. We stayed there for three hours until the heat started to die down,” Masri recalled. It was a terrifying experience for his family, especially his sister, who had just undergone ACL surgery. “Even she had to run, and now she’s in the hospital recovering,” he added.
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The aftermath of the fire was devastating. Hours later, residents noticed the extreme heat had melted car parts, including the bumper of Masri’s car, and even PVC wires inside homes. “Anyone who stayed behind would not have made it,” he said. Some residents were injured, with one mother carrying her toddler suffering burns from the heat. Tragically, pets that were left outside perished in the fire, including seven of Masri’s sister’s cats.
Currently, Masri is staying with relatives in Subang Jaya, uncertain about when he can return home. “The houses closest to the fire are completely destroyed. My house, made of wood, might be badly damaged too,” he said, calling for compensation for the emotional and material losses they endured.
Other residents, living up to 1.5 kilometers away, reported hearing explosions and feeling strong vibrations, with glass windows shattering from the shockwave. “We thought it was just firecrackers at first, but when the vibrations hit, we knew something was terribly wrong,” said a local resident.
Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) confirmed the fire at its Petronas Gas Bhd pipeline near Putra Heights. As of now, residents remain concerned about the possibility of another explosion, urging authorities to act swiftly and ensure their safety. — MalayMail