Final damage assessment completed following gas blaze in Putra Heights

SIX days after a catastrophic gas pipeline explosion and subsequent fire rocked Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, a final physical assessment of the affected homes was concluded this morning.

Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad  confirmed that the results of the assessment would be submitted to the relevant authorities later this afternoon. This marks a significant milestone in the ongoing recovery and investigation process.

At the site of the explosion, a large crater has been formed, and efforts are now focused on removing the rainwater that has accumulated in the area. This is necessary to allow for safety inspections to resume.

Nor Hisham noted that the evaluation of the crater will take additional time, as it involves careful coordination between JBPM and several external agencies.

Private company MSA Safety is also lending support to the recovery efforts, providing more than 10 gas detection devices, which are essential for ensuring the safety of emergency teams as they enter the site to conduct thorough investigations.

Meanwhile, students from higher education institutions, including public universities, polytechnics, and community colleges, who have been affected by the disaster, will be allowed to attend their classes online when the academic term resumes tomorrow.

Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, Director-General of Higher Education, emphasised the importance of allowing students to continue their studies despite the disruption caused by the explosion.

"I have instructed that classes be held online to allow flexibility at public universities, and all institutions are fully prepared to assist," said Dr Azman.

 "These students are bright individuals, and we do not want this incident to distract them from their studies."

As of 12pm today, 375 victims from 96 families remain at the temporary relief centre set up at the Putra Heights Mosque.

he fire, which broke out at 8:10 am on Tuesday, saw flames soaring to over 30 metres in height, with temperatures reaching a staggering 1,000°C. The blaze took almost eight hours to bring under control.

The explosion has had a devastating impact, with 87 homes rendered completely uninhabitable and a further 148 homes sustaining varying degrees of damage but remaining livable after necessary repairs. More than 100 people were injured, and over 300 individuals were displaced. Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported.

Later today, a press conference is expected to provide further updates on the ongoing situation. Selangor’s police chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan, is scheduled to speak at 4 pm from the Incident Control Post, where the latest developments will be shared.  April 6, 2025