QuickCheck: Did a man walk away from a burning car in Kangar after torching himself?

SEVERAL videos of a man walking away from a burning car with his body on fire have gone viral, and it is claimed that the incident happened in Kangar.

Is the claim true?

VERDICT:

TRUE

Kangar Fire and Rescue Department operations commander Shahrunnizam Kamar Bashah said they rushed to Jalan Baru in Kampung Syed Omar, Bintong, after receiving a distress call at 8.49pm on Wednesday (Feb 16).

"The car was engulfed in flames when we reached the scene. We managed to put out the fire in less than 30 minutes," he was quoted as saying by several dailies.

It was added that the 28-year-old victim sustained about 96% burns to his body.

Meanwhile, Kangar OCPD Supt Wari Kiew said the incident took place on a bridge in Kampung Syed Omar, adding that the victim is a car accessories shop owner.

"Upon witnessing the incident, a motorist, who was on his way home, pulled over after seeing the victim walking towards him. He called the police, firemen and ambulance after calming the victim down at the scene,” said Supt Wari as reported by Utusan Online.

He added that an investigation showed that the victim has been seeking treatment at the Psychiatry Department of Tuanku Fauziah Hospital.