Raging Gas Fire Near Puchong Resembles Plane Turbine

'Like a Plane Turbine': Eyewitness Recounts Massive Gas Fire Near Puchong and Putra Heights

PETALING JAYA, April 1 — 'It felt like a constant roaring of an airplane turbine.' Those were the words of Wataniah Kayoon, a resident of Kampung Tengah Puchong, describing the hours-long gas fire that raged near her home on March 31, 2025.

Massive Gas Pipeline Blaze Near Puchong Sparks Panic Among Residents

A terrifying inferno erupted near the vicinity of Puchong and Putra Heights in Selangor on Sunday evening, shocking residents and resulting in a temporary evacuation of nearby areas. The explosion and fire reportedly originated from a ruptured gas pipeline, creating a scene compared to an aircraft engine's deafening roar. Eyewitnesses described the event as something straight out of a disaster movie — enormous flames, plumes of thick black smoke, and an intense ambient heat even from a distance of over 500 meters.

Eyewitness Accounts: A Roaring Nightmare

"It sounded like a never-ending jet engine," said Wataniah Kayoon, a Kampung Tengah resident who lives just 300 meters from the pipeline site. According to her, the vibrations were so strong they shook the windows and forced many residents to flee without grabbing their belongings. "We didn't know what it was at first. Then we saw the sky turn orange," added another resident, describing the surreal view of the towering flames lighting up the night. These terrifying moments were shared by dozens of residents across the affected zones, including those from nearby Putra Heights and USJ areas.

Fire and Rescue Response: Speed and Strategy

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department responded swiftly to the incident after receiving distress calls around 10:30pm. According to official statements, 10 fire engines and over 50 firefighters rushed to the scene. The fire was believed to have originated from a ruptured section of a natural gas transportation pipeline owned by a private utility company. Firefighters, working through the night, managed to contain the fire perimeter within several hours. However, the flames persisted into the early hours of Monday morning due to the high pressure within the gas system. Quick Response Highlights:

• 10 fire engines and 50+ personnel mobilized immediately
• Temporary road closures along key access routes to ensure safety and facilitate emergency response
• No fatalities or serious injuries reported as of press time
• Residents evacuated as a precautionary measure

Gas Company Responds

Syarikat Gas Malaysia, which manages the infrastructure, confirmed that one of their main distribution pipes had suffered a rupture — the cause of which is still under investigation. Emergency shutdown procedures were activated, and valves controlling the gas flow to the affected segment were closed around midnight. "We are working closely with fire authorities and safety regulators to understand the cause and prevent future incidents," a spokesperson for the company said during a brief press conference Monday afternoon.

Environmental and Infrastructure Impact

While no loss of life has been reported, local infrastructure bore the brunt of the explosion and blaze. Preliminary assessments indicate:

• Significant damage to the stretch of pipeline and surrounding vegetation
• Minor structural damages: at least three homes within 200 meters experienced cracked windows and scorched walls due to the heat
• Temporary water and electricity cuts in affected neighborhoods as a safety precaution

Additionally, environmental officers are monitoring air quality in the aftermath of the gas fire. Residents nearby reported breathing discomfort, and some elderly individuals were treated on-site for minor smoke inhalation.

Road Closures and Transportation Disruptions

Due to the proximity of the explosion to major roads connecting Puchong and Putra Heights, traffic was heavily impacted throughout Sunday night and early Monday. The following roads saw full or partial closures:

• Jalan Kampung Tengah
• Persiaran Putra Perdana
• Portions of the LDP (Damansara-Puchong Expressway)

Alternate routes were established, but commuters reported delays of up to 90 minutes during peak travel hours on Monday morning.

Authorities Commence Investigation

As of April 1, engineers and safety inspectors from Malaysia’s Energy Commission and Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) are investigating the site. A full forensic analysis will likely take several weeks to assess what caused the rupture. Potential theories under review include:

• Ground movement or soil erosion weakening underground pipeline integrity
• Third-party construction activities in the area that may have accidentally impacted the pipeline
• Internal corrosion or structural fatigue within the pipeline, revealing a need for stricter maintenance protocols

While it is too early to determine exact culpability, authorities have promised a transparent investigation.

Public Demand for Stricter Safety Regulations

This incident has reignited debate over Malaysia’s public utility safety standards and urban planning protocols. Energy infrastructure, particularly gas pipelines, often runs beneath or near residential neighborhoods, raising questions about long-term safety. Residents and activist groups are calling for:

• More rigorous routine inspections of utility infrastructure
• Greater communication between utility providers and local communities
• Enforced buffer zones for high-pressure gas pipelines near residential areas
• Stricter accountability laws in the aftermath of such incidents

So far, no formal commitment has been made by government agencies on revising current regulations.

Conclusion

The fiery spectacle that lit up the skies above Puchong and Putra Heights serves as a powerful reminder of the latent risks embedded within urban infrastructure systems. While efficient firefighting and a quick gas shutdown avoided human tragedy, the psychological and structural scars left behind are undeniable. As residents return to their homes, the larger question persists: Are our infrastructure systems robust enough to prevent the next catastrophe? And if not, how long until it becomes a matter of life and death? Stay tuned to this blog for follow-up reports as the investigation unfolds.

Keywords: Puchong gas fire, Putra Heights explosion, gas pipeline rupture Malaysia, Energy Commission Malaysia, Selangor fire incident, Malaysia pipeline safety, urban infrastructure fire Malaysia, Wataniah Kayoon eyewitness, DOSH Malaysia