Massive explosion near Kuala Lumpur, 145 hurt

A massive fireball lit up the skies over Putra Heights, a suburb near Malaysia’s capital of Kuala Lumpur, early Tuesday (April 1) morning.

Singapore-based CNA reported 145 were injured after the huge blaze erupted at a gas pipeline in Puchong, Selangor.

Among those hurt included three children, with 67 receiving medical care, according to authorities.

The colossal fire, which erupted near a Petronas petrol station, was so intense that authorities evacuated nearby residents for safety.

Dramatic videos circulating online show towering orange flames shooting into the sky, visible from kilometers away.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene as thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, raising concerns over potential further explosions.

As to what caused the fire, conflicting initial reports suggest the blaze may have been triggered by either a fire at a petrol station or a burst gas pipeline.

The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department later confirmed to local media that the fire involved a Petronas gas pipeline "eruption" in Putra Heights, Selangor.

Assistant Director of Operations Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar said firefighters received a distress call at 8:23 am, and emergency crews were battling the inferno.