Villagers rescue four from car trapped in flash floods near Penampang

KOTA KINABALU: Four people in a car were rescued by villagers after their vehicle was trapped in flash floods while driving across the Babagon river in Penampang on Sunday (April 29).

The four were 40-year-olds Charlie Carthneer Joriok and Florance Johnny, their children Cedricc Charless, 12 and eight-year-old Cayden Charlye.

Another, 26-year-old Owen Jordan Suleiman is hospitalised as he nearly drowned while rescuing the four.

It is learnt that as they neared the swollen river, they tried driving through the water as there is a crossing meant for cars to drive on, hoping that they could make it.

However, the flow of the water was too strong and this caused the car to be washed away from the path and into the river.

Villagers from the area immediately came to help rescue the five with ropes and rubber tyres as buoys.

Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operations chief Khatizah Rahaban said the five were rescued and did not sustain any injuries.

She advised the public to not take any risk and refrain from carrying out activities near and around swollen rivers.