THE number of victims from the gas pipeline explosion and subsequent fire in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, Selangor, has risen to 427, as of last night.
The incident, which affected 91 families, has resulted in the displaced individuals being moved to a Temporary Evacuation Centre (PPS) at the Putra Heights Mosque Hall in Subang Jaya, with the most recent update given at 10:00pm.
Selangor Civil Defence Force (APM) Director Ghazali Abd Rahman said among those relocated are 33 elderly people, 118 children, and 16 babies.
"Fifty members of the APM from both Selangor and the Federal Territories have been deployed to assist and manage the displaced victims at the PPS since yesterday," Ghazali said.
In addition to providing shelter, the APM has teamed up with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to distribute essential items, including pillows, blankets, and clothing, to those affected.
"Prior to this, the injured victims received immediate medical assistance in cooperation with the Ministry of Health (MOH), before being transported to hospitals for further treatment," he continued.
The current evacuees in the PPS are individuals who survived the blast but did not sustain injuries. However, many are facing damage or fire-related destruction to their homes.
The APM has also assisted victims by transporting them via APM trucks to retrieve essential items such as documents and medications from their homes, starting at 6:30pm yesterday.
"We are working alongside the fire department and police to facilitate the victims’ return to the disaster site, allowing them to collect their important personal belongings," Ghazali explained.
He added that the APM will remain on standby in the affected area for monitoring purposes and to provide additional support, if necessary, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM). – April, 2, 2025
