By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 8: A 57-year-old man tragically died after the logging lorry he was driving caught fire following a self-accident along an offroad logging route near Samarakan, Bintulu today.
The victim, identified as Kanang Inggai, was found burned to death inside the cabin of the lorry, which was completely destroyed in the fire.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), a distress call was received at 12.56pm, and a team from Bintulu fire station was immediately deployed to the scene, located about 69km away.
Due to the rough terrain, including a 26km journey along a logging trail, fire engines and emergency medical rescue services (EMRS) vehicles were unable to access the site. Firefighters had to rely on a company vehicle to transport personnel and equipment to the location.
Upon arrival at 2.10pm, the operation team conducted a size-up and confirmed a single-vehicle accident involving a timber-laden lorry, where the cabin was found completely engulfed in flames.
The fire had already been extinguished by company workers using two fire extinguishers before firefighters arrived.
Unfortunately, the driver was found trapped inside the cabin and was already charred.
Using wooden tools to pry open the twisted metal, the rescue team managed to extricate the victim’s remains at 2.49pm.
The body was then handed over to the police at 4.20pm for further action.
Bomba noted that limited accessibility and poor mobile and radio coverage were among the main challenges faced during the operation. — DayakDaily
