Burst tyre triggers tanker crash, 7km jam on NSE

KLUANG: A burst front tyre caused a tanker lorry to veer across the North-South Expressway and crash into two vehicles, injuring two drivers and triggering a 7km traffic jam yesterday.

The 5pm collision occurred at Km50.3 heading southbound and involved a Toyota Avanza and a Mitsubishi Triton travelling in the opposite direction.

District police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh said preliminary investigations found that the tanker was travelling from Johor Baru towards Ayer Hitam when its right front tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control.

"The lorry crossed into the opposite carriageway before crashing into the Avanza and Triton," he said.

The lorry driver sustained injuries to his left hand and head, while the Triton driver suffered injuries to both legs.

The Avanza driver escaped unhurt.

Both injured drivers were taken to Enche' Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital for treatment.

Bahrin said the case was being investigated under Section 43 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The crash had earlier brought traffic to a standstill, with all southbound lanes temporarily closed to facilitate rescue and clearance operations.