At least 63 people were hospitalized Tuesday after a major fire erupted at a gas pipeline operated by state energy firm Petronas, authorities said. 

The fire, which began Tuesday morning in Puchong, a town in Selangor state on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, sent plumes of smoke billowing into the sky. Those hospitalized suffered burns, respiratory problems, and other injuries, officials said.

Petronas said in a statement that the pipeline had been isolated. The fire department reported that the company had shut off the valve on the 500-meter (1,640-foot) pipeline. As a result, 49 homes in the area were affected.   

Early images and social media footage showed a towering orange blaze and a large plume of smoke.

A Reuters journalist, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the scene, reported that the fire's intensity had diminished by early afternoon, although flames and smoke remained visible.   

While no deaths were immediately reported, the full extent of injuries and damage remained unclear, with efforts to extinguish the blaze and evacuate residents stepped up. Authorities had initially reported that some people were trapped in their homes.   

Petronas said it was cooperating with relevant parties to ensure the safety of the community, the environment, and the nation’s gas supply.   

The government established relief centres at two local mosques, the national news agency Bernama reported. 

As a result calls for a independant probe and revised laws and guidelines for pipelines become stronger.