Malaysian Gas Pipeline Fire Injures Dozens, Shoots Flames Skyward

(Bloomberg) -- Dozens of people were injured and more than 100 others evacuated from a Kuala Lumpur suburb when a gas pipeline leak caught fire, sending flames shooting skyward.

Malaysia’s national oil company Petronas said the fire started at about 8:10 a.m. Tuesday near Putra Heights in Selangor. The blaze had not been brought under control after several hours, prompting authorities to close roads in the area, state news agency Bernama reported.

Bernama cited a local deputy police chief as saying that as many as 63 people have been sent to hospitals to be treated for burns, respiratory issues and other injuries. The area is about 30 kilometers (18 miles) southwest of Kuala Lumpur.

The oil firm, formally known as Petroliam Nasional Berhad, has not yet indicated what may have caused the blaze that spread to homes nearby. The fire occurred at the main Petronas Gas Berhad pipeline, prompting the oil company to close three refueling stations in the area as a precautionary measure. 

In a social media post, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim offered prayers for the people in the region and said he has asked the state government and agencies to provide appropriate assistance.

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