IPOH: Two men were killed and two others injured in an accident involving a 10-tonne lorry and a trailer at KM372 southbound of the North-South Expressway near Slim River.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad stated that the two deceased, both in their 20s, died at the scene on Monday (Aug 4) at about 12pm.
"The victims, who were in the lorry transporting chicken eggs, were ejected from the vehicle during the accident. The survivors, in their 30s and 40s, from the same vehicle, sustained minor injuries and received treatment before being sent to the hospital," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 4).
"The bodies of the deceased have been handed over to the police for further action," he added.
Sabarodzi mentioned that the lorry, which was carrying eggs, is believed to have crashed into the back of the trailer carrying cement bags.
"The trailer was parked by the roadside before the incident," he said, noting that clean-up operations are currently underway.
In a separate press statement, Muallim OCPD Deputy Supt Suhaimi Muhamad clarified that the two deceased were a 31-year-old and a 26-year-old.
DSP Suhaimi said the 44-year-old driver of the lorry sustained head injuries, and a 26-year-old front passenger suffered facial injuries.
"Both were taken to the Slim River Hospital for treatment," he said.
DSP Suhaimi also clarified that the incident involved a second lorry.
"Preliminary investigation found that the lorry the victims were in, which was travelling from Ipoh to Seremban, had first crashed into the back of the trailer that had stopped on the far left lane leading to the Slim River toll plaza.
"It then collided with another lorry, which was travelling on the middle lane," he said, adding that the road condition at the time of the incident was dry and with clear weather.
"The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act for causing death by reckless or dangerous driving," he added.
Meanwhile, on its official X account, PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) reported that the left and middle lanes were blocked, resulting in massive traffic congestion.
As of 1.34pm, the congestion had stretched to 11km, with wreckage removal in progress.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and exercise caution.
