KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 -- Yesterday's catastrophic gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights has left a community in tatters and raised troubling questions that extend far beyond the immediate devastation.

The fire, which started in the morning, was caused by a leak in a Petronas gas pipeline, with flames reportedly stretching up to 500 metres and visible from several kilometres away.

The blast, which occurred during the second day of one of Malaysia's most significant holiday periods, wreaked havoc across the neighbourhood, severely damaging nearly 200 homes.

Some 305 residents have been displaced, with many requiring hospital treatments for injuries sustained in the incident. Thankfully, no fatalities were recorded.

Electricity supply ...