Hospital chef burnt to death in car-trailer collision

A 35-year-old cook who worked at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital (HSAH) was burnt to death when his car burst into flames after colliding with a plywood-laden trailer.

The victim, Mohd Shamshuri Osman, 34, was said to be on his way home at about 8pm last night when the his Proton Saga BLM was believed to have skidded into the opposite direction at Jalan Sungai Petani-Bedong, near a petrol station.

The vehicle then collided with the lorry’s petrol tank, and subsequently burst into flames.

According to a witness, Arvin Sonamnathan, 18, Mohd Shamshuri was seen trapped at the driver’s seat.

“I heard a sound of someone calling for help but could not do anything because by then the fire had spread to the whole car,” said Arvin.

It was understood that Mohd Shamshuri was headed towards Bedong, Kedah while the lorry was heading towards Sungai Petani carrying goods from Gurun.

Meanwhile, Sungai Petani fire station chief Rosdi Ismai said that eight firemen were dispatched to the scene to put out the fire and remove the charred remain.

The accident is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

The remains of Mohd Shamshuri was sent to the HSAH for post-mortem.