SHAH ALAM – A search is underway for a 34-year-old man who was swept away by a sudden water surge in Sungai Klang near Pintasan Saloma on Monday evening (Nov 17).
Despite rescuing 12 others from beneath the bridge, emergency responders are still trying to locate the missing construction supervisor.
Here is a breakdown of everything that has been confirmed so far.
What Happened?
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that a man went missing after being pulled away by a strong water surge in Sungai Klang near Pintasan Saloma at around 5.30pm on Monday.
According to the department’s operations team, the victim was carrying out pipe-upgrading works in the area when a flash flood struck.
He reportedly attempted to move a vehicle parked beneath the bridge but was overwhelmed by fast-moving currents.
Media reports stated that the victim was “swept away by strong currents while attempting to move a vehicle parked under the bridge upon noticing the flash flood, but was unable to save himself."
Bernama observed that the river was “fast-flowing with high water level."
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams resumed the operation this morning, focusing on surface searches in the area where the man was last seen.
Responders have been facing difficult conditions, as heavy rainfall earlier caused the river to swell to nearly six metres.
How Many People Were Affected?
A total of 13 people (pipe workers and anglers) were caught under the bridge when the water surge struck.
Responders successfully saved 12 of them through rope-assisted operations. One local and ten foreign nationals were among those brought to safety. The missing man is the only victim unaccounted for.
The Kuala Lumpur Operations Movement Centre received the emergency call at around 5.30pm.
Dang Wangi district police chief ACP Sazalee Adam said police have identified the missing individual, noting he attempted to cling to the riverbank wall but was quickly overpowered.
“However, the strong current overwhelmed him and swept him away,” Sazalee told Bernama. He added that the search will continue downstream towards Shah Alam.
The Victim's Family: “He Told Me It Was Raining Where He Was Working”
The victim’s brother, K. Suren, said he last spoke to his brother at about 3pm on Monday.
“I managed to contact my brother at about 3pm and he told me it was raining where he was working,” Suren said.
He confirmed the missing man, K. Suresh, had worked at the site for about 70 days as a construction supervisor.
Suren said their father informed him of the incident around 8.30pm. He also shared that Suresh was an experienced swimmer:
“My brother could swim and had taught others to swim, but in strong, fast-moving water it may have been difficult to do anything,” he said.
The victim lived in Rawang, Selangor, was married and had a six-year-old son. Family members have been at the scene awaiting updates from the rescue team.
The Search Efforts
ACP Sazalee Adam confirmed that the SAR operation was halted at 11 pm on Monday due to poor visibility and safety concerns.
“The victim has yet to be found. The team, made up of police, firefighters, and agency personnel, will resume the search tomorrow,” he said.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said search efforts resumed at 9.30am, taking advantage of daylight for better visibility.
A department spokesperson told Bernama that the team is considering using boats and diving methods, depending on river conditions.
Final assessments will be made onsite with the Water Rescue Team. The Fire and Rescue Department added that drones are also being deployed to assist surface searches.
“We will begin from the site of the incident and move as far as possible today, but this depends on current water levels," an officer told Bernama at the scene.
Fire engines and personnel from Titiwangsa and Jalan Hang Tuah stations were dispatched and rescuers successfully saved 12 people trapped under the bridge.
The missing victim is believed to have been swept away moments after noticing the sudden flood surge.