77-year-old feared drowned after car plunges into river

SUNGAI PETANI: Search and rescue operations entered their 13th hour today for a senior citizen feared drowned after his car plunged into Sungai Lubuk Kawah here late last night.

The victim, Mat Yusof Hashim, 77, from Felda Teloi Timur, Kuala Ketil, was driving a Proton Wira when the vehicle skidded into the river at 11.40pm.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Zone 2 senior operations commander Mohd Fadzlie Abu Bakar said a distress call was received at 11.46pm.

Five firefighters from the Aman Jaya Fire and Rescue station and seven members of the Water Rescue Unit from the Sungai Petani station were dispatched to the scene.

Mohd Fadzlie said rescuers dived twice into the car but found no occupants.

Rescuers then searched a 1km stretch of the river by boat, battling strong currents, fast-moving water and a depth of 1.8m while navigating obstacles such as fallen trees and oil palm fronds.

The department requested assistance from the K9 Tracker Dog Unit to aid in the search.

The Proton Wira was hauled out of the river using a crane at 3am.

Mohd Fadzlie said the car had a shattered window, impact marks and a dented roof.

He said it remained unclear whether the victim was thrown out of the vehicle or trapped inside during the incident.

With no new leads at the scene, the search area will be expanded up to Sungai Muda, about 2km away.