Fatal Trailer Collision and Fire on North‑South Expressway Causes Major Closure and Traffic Jam

JOHOR BAHRU, March 31 — A fatal collision involving a trailer truck and a tanker on the northbound North‑South Expressway (NSE) near Kulai, Johor, led to one death, a major fire, and severe traffic congestion on Tuesday afternoon, authorities confirmed.

The accident occurred at approximately 12.45 pm at Kilometre 40.6, when the trailer collided with the tanker lorry. The impact caused the tanker to catch fire almost immediately, sending thick smoke across the highway and endangering nearby motorists.

The driver of one vehicle was pinned inside and pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver sustained injuries and was rescued by passing motorists before emergency crews arrived. Firefighters and rescue teams quickly rushed to the site, deploying 16 personnel from three fire stations, alongside multiple fire rescue tenders to control the blaze.

Officials reported that about 80 per cent of the tanker was destroyed in the fire. The firefighting operation was successfully completed by 2.28 pm, but teams remained at the scene to secure the area and clear debris to prevent further accidents.

The northbound lanes were closed, creating a traffic jam that extended up to 10 kilometres along the Kulai‑Sedenak stretch. PLUS Malaysia Berhad coordinated with authorities to divert vehicles at the Kulai toll plaza, urging motorists to take alternative routes. Delays persisted for several hours as emergency crews worked to extinguish the fire and remove wreckage from the highway.

Eyewitnesses described seeing a wall of flames from the tanker, with debris scattered across multiple lanes. Commuters were warned to remain cautious and avoid the area until authorities fully reopened the lanes.

Traffic authorities highlighted that accidents involving heavy vehicles on the NSE often cause extended delays and lane closures, due to the scale of vehicles involved and the difficulty in removing them quickly. Drivers were reminded to maintain safe distances, follow traffic updates, and drive with extra caution during peak hours.

The Johor Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that the site remains under investigation, with authorities examining potential causes such as vehicle malfunction, overloading, or driver error. Investigators will also determine whether additional safety measures can prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over road safety for heavy vehicles on Malaysia’s busiest highways, where collisions frequently lead to fatalities and major disruptions. Transport authorities are expected to issue guidelines on improving highway safety, including stricter enforcement of speed limits and load regulations for trucks and tankers.

Authorities continue to urge the public to remain patient as traffic resumes, with law enforcement and emergency teams coordinating to manage the flow and ensure safety along the stretch of the NSE affected by the collision.