GERIK: Islamic preacher Ustaz Wadi Annuar is believed to have been among the occupants of a Toyota Vellfire involved in a three-vehicle crash along the East-West Highway near Gerik early today.
The 2.40am accident involved a Perodua Myvi, a Toyota Vellfire, and a Perodua Bezza, leaving five people injured, while five others escaped unhurt.
Perak Fire and Rescue Department Operations Division assistant director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received an emergency call via the NG999 system before dispatching a team from the Gerik station to the scene.
"The team arrived at 3.42am, about 59km from the station, and found that the Myvi had veered off the road into a drain.
"A 25-year-old man was trapped in the front passenger seat of the car, while its 24-year-old driver sustained serious injuries," he said.
He said another 24-year-old male passenger seated at the rear suffered minor injuries.
"Four occupants of the Vellfire, comprising two injured and two uninjured victims, had been extricated by members of the public before the fire and rescue team arrived.
"The Myvi driver and two injured occupants of the Vellfire had also been taken to Gerik Hospital by Health Ministry ambulances before the team arrived," he said.
He said the three occupants of the Bezza were unhurt, but the vehicle was no longer at the scene as its owner had gone to a police station to lodge a report.
"The operation commander conducted an assessment before directing personnel to use rescue equipment to free the trapped victim, who was found to have sustained serious injuries.
"Two victims from the Myvi were taken to Gerik Hospital using the department's Emergency Medical Rescue Services vehicle for further treatment," he said.
He added the operation was brought under control at 4.10am and ended at 4.39am, involving 10 personnel and three vehicles.
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