Putra Heights Gas Pipeline Inferno: Preliminary Report Expected In 72 Hrs

The Selangor MB Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has stated that the preliminary report on the gas pipeline fire at Jalan Putra Harmoni, Putra Heights will be completed within 72 hours, adding that Selangor will work closely with the Federal Government in handling the issue.

He has also urged those with information regarding the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation. While authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire, Amirudin has cautioned that information circulating on social media needs to be verified.

“Hopefully, the police will get in-depth information so that we can get clues to the cause of (this incident).” he says in a Bernama report.

Amirudin cautioned the impacted residents not to return to their homes until the authorities declared the situation safe. 

“I appeal to the people to avoid going (home) in the next 48 hours,” he said after announcing that the fire was put out at 3.45pm.

Bernama reported that approximately 20 agencies, including Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB), the police, the fire and rescue department, the public works department, local government officials, and the district office, will initiate investigations and safety checks today at the gas pipeline fire site on Jalan Putra Harmoni Putra Heights.

Fire and rescue department (JBPM) director-general Nor Hisham Mohammad said his department has begun substantial work activities, such as assessing the damage to homes and cars affected by the gas pipeline explosion. A team is also on standby to manage any potential fire.

The department previously reported 365 vehicles were damaged, consisting of 275 cars and 56 motorcycles. 364 people from 74 families affected by the fire have been relocated to relief camps at the Putra Heights Mosque and the Subang Jaya City Council multipurpose hall as of yesterday.
In a statement released yesterday, Petronas announced that its subsidiary, PETRONAS Gas Berhad (PGB), which owns the affected pipeline, will be working closely with government agencies and authorities to assess the full impact of the incident while minimizing disruptions and restoring operations as quickly and safely as possible in coordination with the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Etiqa, Maybank's insurance and takaful arm, stated in their FB post that it will provide coverage to all eligible customers impacted by the Putra Heights explosion who have home, householders, personal injury, retail fire, and motor insurance.  To simplify the claims process, Etiqa said that it would waive the requirement for police reports.