SUNGAI PETANI: Four Laotians were severely injured after the van they were travelling in crashed into a parked trailer at KM101 of the North-South Expressway, north-bound, here.
Also injured was the van driver, a Thai national, while another three Laotians in the van escaped unhurt.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department’s assistant director (Operation) Mohamad Ehsan Mohd Zain said they received an emergency call at 5.43am and a team from Sungai Petani fire station arrived at the location at 5.52am.
“The firemen found the front of the van totally wrecked after it crashed into the back of a trailer.
“There were eight victims, including the driver who was pinned in his seat. Four of the passengers, including one woman, suffered injuries while another three were safe,” he said in a statement today.
The victims were extricated from the vehicle using special tools before they were taken to Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here.
“Based on the information we received, all of the victims are from Laos while the driver is from Thailand,” he said, adding that the operation was led by Senior Officer II Mohd Aslan Yussof with a team of firemen, two engines and personnel from Sungai Petani fire station’s Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS).
The operation concluded at 7.11am.