30-12-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A Mercedes-Benz C200 burst into flames on the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge after striking an abandoned car battery, causing significant traffic disruption during the Sunday afternoon rush.
The dramatic incident unfolded at approximately 3:18 pm at the bridge’s 18-kilometre mark, prompting immediate response from emergency services. Both occupants of the vehicle, a young couple in their twenties, managed to escape the burning vehicle without injury before first responders arrived at the scene.
Fire and Rescue personnel from both Bayan Baru and Batu Kawan stations responded swiftly to the emergency, with a dozen firefighters working to contain the blaze. Operations Commander Mohd Firdaus Mohd Saad reported that the fire was successfully extinguished within 15 minutes of their arrival.
The incident caused severe traffic congestion on the Batu Kawan-bound carriageway, with tailbacks extending more than five kilometres towards Batu Maung. Motorists faced significant delays as emergency services worked to clear the scene.
South-west District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Sazalee Adam confirmed initial investigations suggest the luxury saloon lost control after striking a car battery that had been carelessly abandoned on the motorway. The impact caused the vehicle to veer off course before catching fire.
