Search and rescue op ongoing at landslide site to locate other possible victims

IPOH: Search and rescue operations are still ongoing to locate any other victims who may be buried following the landslide at Section 27 of Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley.

Fire and Rescue Department acting operations director Muhamad Shahrizal Aris said work to clear the debris is being carried out to allow tracker dogs to find any potential victims.

“We are trying to clear away as much soil as we can before we send in the canine unit.

“We will do this procedure twice and if the dogs are unable to detect anything, we will then decide whether to call off the operation,” he told a press conference near the incident site on Friday (Dec 3).

“As of now, there are no leads to show more vehicles (were buried) as, according to witnesses, there were only two vehicles involved,” he added.

The landslide occurred at about 1.40pm on Thursday (Dec 2), burying a lorry and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

Rescue work and excavation are ongoing.

Two victims have been dug out and identified as lorry driver Muhammad Hafiz Hamdi, 31, from Tanjung Piandang in Parit Buntar; and Tan Chee Heng, 36, who drove the MPV.

Jalan Simpang Pulai-Blue Valley has been closed off to motorists following the incident.

Muhamad Shahrizal said the MPV had already been removed.

“We are still trying to dig out the lorry,” he said, adding that the mound of debris on the road was between 5m and 7m in height.

He added that Minerals and Geoscience Department officers were still inpecting the area.

“So far, there are no more movements. Observation of the area will continue,” he said.