SKRANG – Seven individuals, including the driver, escaped with minor injuries after a Toyota Vellfire they were traveling in skidded and crashed into a road divider on the Pan Borneo Highway near Kampung Pentik yesterday evening.
The Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) received an emergency call regarding the incident at approximately 4:19 pm. Responding swiftly, a team from the Betong Fire and Rescue Station was dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, we found that a Toyota Vellfire had skidded and collided with the road divider,” said a spokesperson from the Fire and Rescue Operations Centre (PGO).
Initial assessments revealed that one passenger was trapped inside the vehicle, while six others had managed to exit with assistance from nearby passersby. The rescue team promptly took action to stabilize the trapped victim, securing them with a cervical collar before working on their extraction.
Using specialized equipment, the team pried open the vehicle’s rear door to create sufficient workspace. The trapped individual was carefully removed using a spinal board and subsequently transported to the hospital for further treatment. Fortunately, all victims, including the trapped passenger, sustained only minor injuries.
Following the rescue operation, the team conducted thorough road cleaning to ensure the safety of other motorists.
The incident serves as a reminder to all road users to remain vigilant and exercise caution, particularly on highways like Pan Borneo, where unforeseen accidents can occur.