MIRI: Firefighters from Lopeng and Miri Sentral stations were called into action late Wednesday night (Oct 22)after a chemical-laden lorry burst into flames near Vista Perdana along the Miri Bypass.
The emergency call was received at 11.16 pm, prompting a swift deployment of 16 firefighters and three vehicles, including two fire rescue tenders and one emergency medical response unit.
The fire, which destroyed the truck, involved an unidentified chemical substance believed to be highly corrosive.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control despite facing hazardous conditions at the scene.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre, several firefighters’ boots were corroded during the operation due to contact with the chemical.
The substance appeared to react aggressively to heat and water.
Firemen had to maintain a safe distance and use full protective gear, including chemical-resistant suits.
The driver of the truck escaped unhurt but was unable to provide information about the cargo, as the transport documents — including the chemical manifest — were destroyed in the fire.
The fire crew used a combination of water and foam to douse the flames from a safe range. The area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of nearby motorists and residents.
The Fire and Rescue Department’s Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) adviser Mohamad Maramit has been contacted for further assessment and chemical identification.
No injuries were reported, and the incident is under investigation to determine the cause of the fire and the nature of the chemicals involved.
