PUTRA HEIGHTS, April 5 – Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed that earthworks conducted approximately 30 metres from the site of the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights are now under close scrutiny. Preliminary investigations revealed that excavation began in mid-March to replace a sewage pipe and ceased on March 30—just days before the April 1 blast that caused widespread destruction.
An excavator was found buried in the resulting crater, but no bodies were discovered. Police are now determining whether the contractor’s activities triggered the explosion, though unstable ground conditions have delayed full excavation and investigation until at least April 15. The explosion, which injured 111 people and displaced over 1,200 residents, destroyed 87 homes, 225 vehicles, and left a 10-metre-deep crater.
Authorities have recorded statements from 56 witnesses, including a security guard injured in the incident, and are also analysing social media footage to support the probe. While Petronas confirmed its monitoring systems detected no prior gas leaks, investigations continue to determine whether a rupture occurred and if there was an ignition source. The 30-year-old gas pipeline, which stretches from Kerteh, Terengganu to Perlis, had no previous incidents in Peninsular Malaysia.
In the meantime, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Petronas CEO Tengku Muhammad Taufik Aziz are jointly coordinating aid efforts, with Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad personally donating RM1,000 each to affected public healthcare workers.
