Chemical trailer plunges into sea after collision on Second Link
The incident occurred at Km0.8 of the Plus highway's Second Link stretch, near the Malaysian border checkpoint, at 5.41pm.
Fire and Rescue Department personnel from the Iskandar Puteri station and the Larkin hazmat unit were dispatched to the scene, arriving within 16 minutes.
Operations commander Mohd Faiz Suleiman said a red trailer carrying propylene glycol had fallen into the sea, while the second trailer, white in colour and transporting sodium hypochlorite in a stainless steel container, remained on the bridge and was not compromised.
Both drivers survived the crash. The driver of the red trailer was taken to the Gelang Patah health clinic for treatment, while the other driver escaped uninjured.
Faiz said preliminary visual checks showed no signs of leakage from the submerged propylene glycol tank.
"There was no surface foam, slicks or bubbles detected. However, the hazmat unit has been deployed to monitor the site and ensure there is no environmental contamination," he said.
Propylene glycol is a clear, syrupy liquid widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food additives and industrial coolants. Although considered low in toxicity, large spills must be handled with care to prevent harm to aquatic life and water systems.
Sodium hypochlorite, meanwhile, is commonly used as a disinfectant and bleaching agent. Authorities have confirmed that there was no leakage from the second vehicle.
The crash came just a day after Malaysian and Singaporean authorities conducted a joint chemical spill simulation exercise designed to enhance response coordination along the Second Link in the event of hazardous material incidents.
The bilateral drill, which covered both land and sea containment strategies, simulated a chemical leak and tested joint response capabilities, a scenario eerily echoed in today's accident.
As of press time, operations to secure the crash site and monitor the submerged tank were ongoing. Traffic along the Second Link remained congested but under control.
The New Straits Times has contacted Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon and the police for further comment. Statements are expected soon.
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