KUALA LUMPUR: A family of four trapped in a river near the old Gombak police station during a picnic outing had to be rescued by firemen today.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department director Norazam Khamis said the victims — a woman, her two sons and a daughter — escaped unhurt.
He said an emergency call was received at 2.37pm and a team of six firemen from the Selayang station arrived at the location about 30 minutes later.
"The victims were picnicking near the river before the incident.
"They were trapped due to the headwater phenomenon, which was caused by the heavy rain in the area," he added.
The phenomenon refers to the sudden and rapid rise in water volume and velocity in the upper part of a river due to heavy rain.