Lorry carrying hydrochloric, nitric acid overturns
The overturned lorry in Machang.
MACHANG: A lorry carrying 34 drums of acid skidded and overturned causing spillage of the hazardous chemical at Jalan Machang-Kota Baru in Kampung Bukit Belah here.
Machang Fire and Rescue Department Operation chief Senior Superintendent Mohd Sabri Ismail said during the 6.30am incident, 20 drums of hydrochloric acid and 14 drums of nitric acid littered the road.
"A small portion of the drums were found to have leaked and nearby villagers were told to evacuate their houses as the fumes could be hazardous.
"Members of the public were advised not to approach the site of the incident while road users were directed to an alternative route," he said when met at the location of the incident on Thursday.
He said the lorry that was on its way to Kota Baru from Machang overturned on the left side of the road after losing control.
A team of 33 Fire and Rescue Department personnel from Machang and a hazardous substances unit (HZAMAT) from Kota Baru were involved in the clean-up operation at the area.
"The situation is under control as only a few drums leaked and we are working to ensure the spillage did not endanger the people and road users. There were no casualties reported but the lorry driver suffered minor injuries," he said.
The acid consignment was being sent to a rubber glove manufacturing factory in Kota Baru. - Bernama
