A five-vehicle pile-up erupted into flames at the Udini Underpass in George Town early today, shutting down major commuter arteries during the morning peak period — though remarkably, no casualties were reported.
The crash, which occurred along Jalan Masjid Negeri, involved a trailer lorry carrying concrete poles, a passenger van, and a Proton S70, all of which caught fire. Two other vehicles — a Perodua Alza and a Chery Tiggo — were also involved but escaped the blaze.
The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 7.04am and dispatched a team from the Jalan Perak station. Firefighters brought the fire under control by 7.33am.
John Sagun Francis, the department’s assistant director of operations, confirmed that all occupants managed to escape their vehicles before the flames spread. “Upon arrival, we found that the accident involved five vehicles, three of which were on fire. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control at 7.33am, and no casualties were reported as all those involved managed to escape in time,” he said.
The accident caused severe gridlock on several key routes, including Green Lane, Jalan Masjid Negeri, and Jalan Batu Lanchang, as commuters were diverted from the underpass.
The Penang Island City Council deployed traffic wardens to manage the flow and advised motorists to seek alternative routes. “The public is advised to use alternative routes and avoid the area until the situation is safe and under control,” the council said in an advisory.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Source: Malay Mail
