MIRI: A lorry hauling car batteries and clothing was gutted in a fierce fire along Jalan Peninjau in Beluru today, leaving its entire rear cargo load destroyed.
According to Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station chief, Rary Binjie, the team raced 58 kilometres to the scene after receiving the emergency call at 11:21 am.
Under the command of PBK I Awang Adzwan, firefighters arrived at 12;19 pm and moved swiftly to contain the blaze, bringing it under control in a matter of minutes.
The fire ripped through the rear section of the vehicle, where the goods were stored, consuming the cargo completely.
Fortunately the damage to the lorry was confined only to the back, and both the driver and his assistant walked away uninjured.
Firefighters launched an immediate suppression effort using a single hose line fed directly from the engine.
Once the truck was fully secured and no further risk remained, the team returned to base.
The Fire and Rescue Department has opened an inquiry into the cause of the incident and the scale of the losses.
Seven personnel and one fire-rescue tender were deployed.
