MIRI: A Mercedes car caught fire along the Pan Borneo Highway near Lambir National Park on Sunday morning, sending thick smoke into the air and startling passing motorists.
The alarm was raised at 6:33 am by a passer-by who spotted the vehicle ablaze.
Firefighters from the Lopeng Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched within seconds, covering a 28-kilometre run to the scene.
The team arrived at 7:02 am with a fire engine and an Emergency Medical Rescue Service vehicle.
Using two hose lines from the engine’s water tank, they managed to bring the blaze under control in just three minutes.
The fire was fully extinguished by 7:16 am.
No one was injured in the incident but the Mercedes was extensively damaged.
The operation wrapped up at 7:55 am before the firefighters returned to their base.
No other agencies were involved, and traffic disruption along the highway was minimal.
