GEORGE TOWN, May 15 — Three vehicles caught fire following a five-vehicle crash at the Udini Underpass on Jalan Masjid Negeri here today, causing severe traffic congestion.
The incident involved a trailer lorry believed to be carrying concrete poles, a passenger van and a Proton S70 car, all of which caught fire, and two other vehicles – a Perodua Alza and a Chery Tiggo.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations John Sagun Francis said there were no reports of casualties.
He said the department received an emergency call at 7.04 am and dispatched a team from the Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Station to the scene.
“Upon arrival, we found that the accident involved five vehicles, three of which were on fire. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at 7.33 am, and no casualties were reported as all those involved managed to escape in time,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council said in a traffic update posted on Facebook that traffic wardens had been deployed to the scene to manage and ease traffic flow in the area.
“The public is advised to use alternative routes and avoid the area until the situation is safe and under control,” it said.
The incident caused severe congestion in several areas, including Green Lane, Jalan Masjid Negeri and Jalan Batu Lanchang, as the roads are major routes and the accident occurred during peak hours when people were commuting to work. — Bernama