21 hours Ago By Nasha Alysa Makmal
SUBANG JAYA: Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said people should hold off any accusations on the cause of the Putra Heights gas pipeline blast, which left more than 100 people injured and more than 200 homes damaged.Following a visit to the temporary command post set up by the authorities here, he said he was confident that Petronas would conduct a thorough investigation into the explosion.He also expressed hope that such an incident would not be repeated.
"I am quite sure that Petronas will investigate the cause of the explosion and we hope it will never happen again."We do not know (the cause) just yet. We can't go around accusing people," he said.
He said while the fire and explosion was "unusual", he was confident that everything is being done to ensure the safety of the pipeline."I think people should not go around pointing fingers at others," he added.Dr Mahathir arrived in a black Audi at 5.
50pm and left the site at 6.20pm.On Tuesday, a Petronas gas pipeline exploded in the morning in Putra Heights, causing flames to shoot into the sky.
The heat from the flames — visible from kilometres away — was said to have melted plastic and metal located within a wide radius of the pipeline.The fire was reported to have been accompanied by several explosions that shook the ground. The flames set off fires in several houses as the pipeline is located near residential areas.
A total of 145 people were injured and are receiving treatment in several hospitals.Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the majority of the victims suffered second and third-degree burns.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
