Bangkok, Apr. 1, (dpa/GNA) – More than 100 people were injured when a gas pipeline exploded near Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday.

At least 63 victims are being treated in hospitals, although the severity of their injuries remains unclear, the online news portal Malay Mail reported, citing local deputy police chief Mohd Zaini Abu Hassan.

A towering fireball, reaching dozens of metres into the sky, erupted in the early morning, engulfing 190 homes and 148 vehicles, Hassan said. At its peak, flames soared as high as a 20-story building.

The explosion occurred in the Putra Heights community at a pipeline owned by state energy giant Petronas. Some residents suffered burns, and many evacuees sought refuge in a nearby mosque.

Authorities said 300 people were moved to safety.

Footage shared by the Bernama news agency captured a massive column of fire, charred trees, and burned-out vehicles. Nearly 80 firefighters battled the inferno for hours before bringing it under control.

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

GNA

PDC