BUKIT MERTAJAM: A driver narrowly escaped death when a lorry slammed into his car while he was waiting at a traffic light here.
The accident occurred at the very same junction – Jalan Kebun Sireh-Jalan Bukit Tengah on the mainland here – where a young woman tragically lost her life in a similar road mishap just several months ago.
In the latest incident, it is believed that the lorry driver was negotiating a sharp turn when he lost control of the vehicle.
After crushing the front of the car, the lorry then toppled over, trapping both the driver and his son inside during the 10.30am accident yesterday.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah said the lorry driver, 74, and his son, 18, were successfully extricated by firemen and sustained only minor injuries.
He said the car driver, 43, was taken to hospital before firemen arrived at the scene.
“The accident involved a lorry, which was carrying wooden pallets, and a luxury car.
“After freeing the victims from the wreckage, both the father and son received treatment from the Bukit Mertajam First Aid Association at the scene.
“We also carried out a clearing operation to remove accident debris, ensuring there was no risk or danger to other road users,” said Mohamad Shoki, adding that the operation ended at 12.10pm.
Central Seberang Perai deputy OCPD Supt Norazizi Saad said the lorry driver and his son were currently being treated at a hospital, adding that police were investigating the case under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act.
In November last year, 21-year-old Lee Zi Rou was killed at the same location after a container being transported on a trailer lorry toppled and crushed her car, resulting in her death on the spot.
The driver of the trailer lorry had lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a left turn.
The falling container almost flattened the driver’s side of the car.
On top of that, the container also slammed into the driver’s side of another car.
