AS FIREMEN and other authorities fought to douse the gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, Malaysians of all races and religions came together to help.
Residents in the affected areas joined hands to help control traffic and direct fire engines, police and ambulances, while others assisted with the victims.
Three mosques and a Hindu temple opened their doors to victims.
These include the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple in Subang Jaya, the USJ 9 Al Falah Mosque, Nurul Iman Mosque and Putra Heights Mosque.
Close to 50 victims with minor injuries such as burns, cuts and breathing difficulty were given initial treatment by Ministry of Health personnel at the temple before being rushed to hospital.
Muslim residents and rescue workers were also allowed a space to perform their prayers inside the temple compound.
Temple volunteers also served food and drinks, provided tents and toilets, and set up resting areas for victims and frontliners.
The mosques opened their doors as temporary evacuation centres where the victims could rest and seek temporary shelter.
No deaths were reported in the incident which has since been brought under control.
Picture from Bernama TV
Victims who shared their experiences said they all heard a strange sound and then noticed the huge, raging fire.
They said the incident began about 8am when most residents were home enjoying their holiday.
Some said they even felt their homes shaking, followed by a rain of dust and other particles.
Several residents said broken pipes made matters worse as their homes began to flood.
Those affected said everything happened so fast and within minutes the area was blanketed i thick smoke.
"We tried to take some important stuff and leave, but going upstairs was too risky.
"We are just lucky to have made it out unharmed," said one of the residents. - April 1, 2025
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