PETALING JAYA (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK - A Chinese national had a close shave with death when his Maserati Quattroporte crashed into a side railing on an elevated portion of the Sprint Highway and burst into flames before plunging to the slip road below.

Petaling Jaya assistant commissioner of police Azmi Abu Kassim said the 32-year-old stock investment trainer was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Bandar Utama at about 3am on Tuesday when he lost control of the car while navigating a corner on the fast lane.

"The car slid to the left and crashed into a side railing before catching fire. The driver managed to crawl out through the rear window."

Azmi added that the driver escaped with minor injuries on both hands.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Othman Abdullah said a team of six firefighters rushed to the scene after a distress call was received at about 3.20am.