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A TRAILER carrying chemical cargo, believed to be aluminium or zinc oxide, erupted in flames on the North–South Expressway’s ELITE stretch near Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Saturday evening, prompting a major response from Malaysian firefighters.
Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar, Assistant Director of Operations at the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department, said units from the Dengkil Fire and Rescue Station were immediately dispatched upon receiving the emergency call.
Additional support came from Cyberjaya and Shah Alam stations, including a Hazmat team to manage the potential risks associated with the chemical load.
“Upon arrival at 9.43 pm, we found the fire had engulfed the trailer carrying the metal oxide,” Ahmad Mukhlis stated. “The blaze was estimated at 80 per cent at that time, and firefighting efforts were immediately underway.”
The operation involved 23 officers and personnel from the three stations.
By 9.25 am on Sunday, the fire was fully extinguished, allowing the team to focus on moving the trailer to a safer location.
Due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo, heavy machinery could not be used, as metal contact risked sparking another fire.
“After discussion, the team employed a method of pushing the trailer onto a five-foot grassy embankment,” Ahmad Mukhlis explained.
The firefighters ensured the area was completely secure before concluding operations. No injuries were reported in the incident. - November 16, 2025