The recent gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights not only forced residents to evacuate but also left one man facing devastating losses.
On the second day of Aidilfitri, a massive explosion rocked Kampung Kuala Sungai Baru, completely destroying the home of Zainudin Abdul Halim, a 60-year-old government retiree.
However, the damage extended beyond his personal residence—eight rental houses he owned were also reduced to ruins.
According to NST, the tragedy dashed his plans to perform the ‘umrah’ pilgrimage next Wednesday, as he estimated his losses to be approximately RM1.5 million.
I’m not even in the B40 category anymore. I’m practically homeless, with nothing to my name,” he lamented.
Moments before disaster struck
Recalling the terrifying incident, Zainudin said he had just returned home after breakfast with a friend, bringing back food for his children.
I got home around 8.10am and placed the food in the kitchen before heading to my room. My wife was folding laundry, and we were chatting about our plans to travel to her hometown in Rembau,” he said.
Minutes later, an earth-shattering explosion rocked the house.
@emxakmxr doakan keluarga kami cepat sembuh dari luka & tr4uma #puchong #putraheights ♬ Kamu Dan Kenangan – Shanna Shannon
‘I heard a loud boom, and the whole house shook’
“Then came a deafening whooshing sound, almost like a jet engine. When I looked outside, the sky was red, and debris was falling from above.”
Realising the imminent danger, Zainudin shouted for his family to flee.
“One of my children asked me to save the car, but I said I couldn’t. Had I done so, I think I would have died. One of my tenants, a medical personnel, also urged everyone to escape.”
They ran nearly 100 metres before taking refuge in a nearby house, dousing themselves with water. However, the searing heat forced them to flee even further to safety.
Injuries and survival
Zainudin, his wife, three children, and in-laws were later taken to the hospital by emergency responders.
He suffered 70 per cent burns and cuts, while one of his children underwent surgery after sustaining severe burns from running barefoot on the scorching tarmac.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Zainudin expressed his gratitude for surviving the tragedy.
Looking at the location and timing, I truly believe Allah had the best plans. Had I been late by even a second, I would have died. My house was only 30 to 40 metres from the blast site. If anyone was to perish, it would have been me.”
The explosion has left him and his family with nothing but the clothes on their backs, marking Aidilfitri with loss and hardship instead of celebration.
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