SUBANG JAYA: The cause of the gas pipeline fire has yet to be identified, says Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohamad.

This comes amid claims that the fire was caused by construction work near the pipeline.

"It is too early to say," he told reporters here.

"An investigation will be conducted by all the relevant agencies led by the Police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health," he said.

He said more information would be divulged once the investigation was completed.

"There are many statements being made following this incident, but we cannot verify these claims yet," he said.

Earlier today, a massive fire broke out at a Petronas gas pipeline in Putra Heights, Subang Jaya, causing widespread panic as flames shot up in the air.

The heat from the flames — visible from kilometres away — were 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.

There were also reports that several people were trapped in burning houses, even as the authorities began evacuating residents from the nearby areas.

More than 100 people have been injured so far and are being treated at hospitals and a temporary medical base at the Sri Maha Kaliamman Temple.

Dozens of firemen are still battling the flames in an attempt to prevent it from spreading.

The valve for the gas has been shut off, and the fire is only expected to be extinguished later today once the remaining gas in the pipeline runs out.

The Selangor Disaster Management Unit has activated a temporary evacuation centre at Putra Heights to assist residents, while traffic along the Elite Highway has been diverted.