Malaysian gas pipeline fire extinguished, 305 people rescued

A huge gas pipeline fire that had been burning since early Tuesday in Malaysia's western Selangor state was extinguished as of 3:45pm local time, according to local officials.

A total of 305 people have been successfully evacuated from the area, with some being moved to temporary evacuation centers and those in need of medical attention sent to several hospitals in the state, state chief minister Amirudin Shari said in a statement.

Amirudin also said that no deaths had occurred as a result of the incident.

"The safety of the residents is our top priority. The two residential areas, within a 290-meter radius of the incident, will remain closed and designated as prohibited zones until thorough checks ensure it is safe for residents to return home," Amirudin said, adding that the state government would collaborate with the federal government to manage the situation and protect those affected.

Amirudin also said a preliminary report on the incident would be ready in 72 hours.

Selangor state fire and rescue department director Wan Razali Wan Ismail said 190 houses, 148 cars, and 11 motorcycles had been damaged in the fire.

"Homes and vehicles affected sustained various degrees of damage due to the fire and intense heat," he said in a statement.

Videos showing a towering fire that could be seen for several kilometers in Selangor state have been circulating since early on Tuesday, with members of the public also reporting loud sounds accompanying the fire.