Two killed in 16-vehicle crash on Malaysia's North-South Expressway

The morning accident along the 406th kilometre of the North-South Expressway brought traffic on both sides to a standstill. PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PERAK (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - A horrific accident involving 16 vehicles resulted in a man losing his wife and daughter when their car was sandwiched between two trailers.

Nurul Syazeila Iryani Suhaimi, 28, and her 18-month-old daughter Hanna Humaira Mohd Hasnun, died on the spot in the 9.30am incident on Thursday (June 24).

Both were pinned to the seats and firemen had to extricate their remains from the mangled car.

Her husband Mohd Hasnun Ramli, 29, was seriously injured and warded at the Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital.

The family is from Permatang Tok Jaya Sungai Dua in Butterworth. Five others were also injured and received treatment at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

A Selangor Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said the accident involved four trailers, two vans, nine cars and a taxi, at the 406th kilometre of the North-South Expressway heading towards Kuala Lumpur.

"It was like a scene from a disaster movie, only it was for real. Several cars were totally wrecked due to the impact of the collision," he said, adding that the stretch was an accident blackspot.

Traffic was almost at a standstill as shocked motorists plying the highway stopped to look at the carnage.

The incident was said to have occurred after one of the trailer drivers lost control of his heavy vehicle before swerving to the middle lane and smashing five cars, including the one driven by Mohd Hasnun.

The victim's car then was crushed by another trailer on the left lane.

Other vehicles trailing behind could not stop in time and rammed one another, causing a pile-up.

The spokesman added that both sides of the highway were congested as moments earlier, another accident had taken place several kilometres ahead.

Hulu Selangor OCPD Supt R. Supramaniam told Bernama that police had detained the driver of the trailer, carrying a consignment of oil palm, for investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Supt Supramaniam said the suspect would have his urine tested for drug abuse.

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