KUANTAN - A lorry carrying hydrochloric acid overturned in Cherating near here today, injuring its driver and spilling an estimated 1,000 litres of the chemical into a nearby mangrove swamp, prompting a hazardous materials response.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations and rescue Mohd Salahuddin Isa said firefighters received an emergency call on the incident at 7.32am.
He said the accident caused a leak in the vehicle's storage tank, allowing hydrochloric acid to flow into the mangrove area.
"Firefighters deployed a water curtain to prevent acid vapours from spreading towards the main road. The amount of hydrochloric acid spilled is estimated to be less than 1,000 litres," he said in a statement today.
Salahuddin said the Department of Environment (DOE) and the company involved had been contacted to coordinate follow-up measures, including the transfer of the chemical cargo to a replacement lorry.
"As of 1.4 pm, the operation was still ongoing, with close monitoring by the Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Special Team to ensure safety throughout the transfer process," he said.
He added that the driver, believed to be in his 30s, was taken to Kemaman Hospital before the arrival of firefighters. - BERNAMA