A major crash involving a trailer and three cars caused a nine-kilometre traffic jam on the North-South Expressway, with 12 people including children involved

BUKIT MERTAJAM: A serious accident involving a trailer and three cars caused a nine-kilometre traffic jam on the North-South Expressway (NSE) northbound today. The crash occurred at Kilometre 137.4 between the Juru and Permatang Pauh routes.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department assistant director John Sagun Francis said 12 victims, including children, were involved. Several were reported injured and in serious condition.

The department received an emergency call at 3.12 pm. A team from the Perai Fire and Rescue Station was dispatched to carry out rescue operations.

“The accident involved three cars, a Hyundai Elantra, a Proton X70, a Honda BR-V, and a trailer carrying supermarket goods,” John said in a statement. Two victims were trapped and had been extricated by members of the public before firefighters arrived.

Of the 12 victims, three were injured while travelling in the Honda BR-V. A 42-year-old man sustained serious injuries, while a woman and a two-year-old girl suffered minor injuries.

Information on the condition of the victims in the Hyundai Elantra and Proton X70, which were each carrying four people, could not be confirmed. The condition of the trailer driver was also unknown.

Firefighters cleared accident debris at the scene to secure the area. The injured victims were given initial treatment before being taken to hospital.

The rescue operation ended at 5.17 pm.

 The Sun Malaysia