DEBAK – A serious road accident at Simpang Debak along the Pan Borneo Highway today left five people injured, with one driver trapped inside his vehicle before being rescued by firefighters.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO), the incident involved a Perodua Bezza carrying six passengers and a 10-wheeler lorry. The accident was reported at 2.55pm, prompting the Betong Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) to deploy an eight-member team to the scene.
Initial investigations revealed that the Bezza collided with the lorry while it was making a U-turn. The impact left the car’s driver pinned to the seat on the driver’s side, while five other passengers managed to escape with the help of bystanders.
“Four victims were immediately brought to the Debak Clinic by members of the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM). Firefighters and the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team provided urgent treatment to the trapped driver, including fitting a cervical collar and KED support,” JBPM said in a statement.
To free the driver, firefighters used specialised rescue tools such as the Telescopic Ram Extension Set and Fx4 Frontliner to force open the door. The victim was carefully removed using a spinal board before being taken for further medical treatment.
Two of the injured passengers were later transferred to hospital via an EMS vehicle. Meanwhile, the lorry driver escaped without injury.
The operation concluded after firefighters carried out road safety measures, including clearing oil spillage from the crash site to prevent further hazards.
Authorities reminded motorists to stay vigilant, particularly along major highways, and to exercise caution when making U-turns or overtaking heavy vehicles.
