Motorcyclist and driver escape falling tree in Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR: A car dashcam captured footage of a terrifying moment where a car driver and a motorcyclist narrowly escaped being crushed by a falling giant Angsana tree.

Melaka Fire and Rescue Department commanding officer Hazalani Jaafar said the motorcyclist survived the impact with minor injuries, while the car driver emerged unscathed in the 2.40pm incident at Jalan Bukit Senjuang on Saturday (June 1).

He said six firemen from the Padang Temu station rushed to the scene after receiving a distress call from a member of the public.

Hazalani noted that an electric pole was also damaged due to the impact of the falling tree.

"The firemen are still at the scene clearing the uprooted tree," he said.

The injured motorcyclist received treatment at the scene from medical officers, while the car suffered slight damage.

Dashcam footage was shared by the driver of a passing car who was heading towards Ujong Pasir at the time of the incident.

The road leading to Ujong Pasir and Taman Melaka Raya via Bukit Senjuang was closed to traffic due to the incident.

The historic city has about 69 ancient Angsana and Yellow Flame trees. About 47 of them are situated within the UNESCO World Heritage core zone.

The Angsana and Yellow Flame trees are believed to have existed for more than 200 years.