NIBONG TEBAL: A severe traffic jam stretching over 10 kilometers paralyzed the northbound lanes of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) early this morning after a multi-lorry collision. The accident, which involved a trailer, a bonded lorry, and an eight-tonne lorry, occurred around 6 a.m. at Kilometer 157, near the Sungai Bakap rest area, along the Jawi to Juru route.
The impact of the crash left both lanes blocked, with one of the lorries spilling a load of soil onto the road, adding to the delay in clearing the scene. The disruption caused hours of congestion, leaving commuters stranded and significantly delaying their morning journeys.
Mohd Amir Rahman, the driver of the eight-tonne lorry, shared his harrowing experience. He was on his way from Chuping, Perlis, to Yong Peng, Johor, when the accident occurred. According to Mohd Amir, the incident unfolded in a matter of seconds.
“It happened so quickly. I was overtaking a trailer when it suddenly squeezed me in a rush. I saw it swerving to avoid something, and then it squeezed me in. My lorry was pushed into the central barrier,” he recounted, visibly shaken by the ordeal.
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that one of the lorry drivers sustained head injuries. Emergency responders, including an ambulance, quickly arrived, and the injured driver was rushed to the hospital for treatment. However, the Seberang Perai Selatan district police have not yet confirmed further details about the condition of those involved or the cause of the crash.
Traffic along the highway came to a near standstill as authorities, including the Fire and Rescue Department, worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage and the spilled soil. Efforts to divert traffic to alternative routes did little to alleviate the congestion, with frustrated motorists reporting delays of over two hours.
The accident sparked widespread complaints on social media from drivers, many of whom found themselves arriving late to work. Regular users of the route expressed their frustration over what they describe as frequent accidents in the area, particularly involving heavy vehicles.
One commuter, Mazlinah Maya MM, voiced her concerns. “Accidents involving heavy vehicles are common along the stretch between the Jawi Toll Plaza and the Sungai Bakap rest area,” she said. “I hope PLUS can investigate why accidents keep happening here. I wish lorries would use the old road. It’s causing inconvenience, especially for those heading to work.”
Adding to the complexity of the situation, a detached tyre, believed to have come from one of the trailers, was discovered on the central divider, further raising questions about the condition of the vehicles involved.
As authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the crash, many are calling for better safety measures along this busy stretch of the expressway. The inconvenience caused by frequent accidents not only leads to delays for commuters but also raises concerns about the safety of drivers and passengers alike.
While PLUS and the relevant authorities work to clear the scene and restore traffic flow, motorists using the highway are advised to plan their journeys with caution and allow extra time for potential delays. The clean-up operation is expected to continue for several more hours, with traffic in the affected areas remaining slow.