An incident unfolded on the Second Link bridge when a trailer carrying chemicals plunged into the sea following a collision with another chemical tanker. The accident occurred at Km0.8 of the Plus highway’s Second Link, near the Malaysian border checkpoint, at approximately 5:41 PM, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Personnel from the Iskandar Puteri Fire and Rescue Department and the Larkin hazardous materials (hazmat) unit were deployed and arrived at the scene within 16 minutes. The operations commander confirmed that the red trailer involved in the crash was transporting propylene glycol and had fallen into the sea. The second trailer, white in color and carrying sodium hypochlorite in a stainless steel container, remained intact on the bridge and was not affected.
Both drivers survived the incident. The driver of the red trailer was taken to the health clinic for medical attention, while the driver of the second vehicle escaped without injury.
Initial visual inspections found no visible 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, a clear and syrupy chemical, is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and industrial coolants. Although it poses low toxicity, large scale spills can be dangerous to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. Sodium hypochlorite, the chemical aboard the second trailer, is widely used as a disinfectant and bleach. Authorities confirmed that this tank was not compromised.
As of writing, operations to stabilize the site and continuously monitor the submerged trailer are ongoing. Traffic along the bridge remains heavy but is being managed.