Chemical drums spill on SKVE highway after lorry barrier fails

SHAH ALAM, Oct 1 — A major chemical spill disrupted traffic on the Shah Alam-Kuala Lumpur elevated expressway (SKVE) on Tuesday after a lorry's safety barrier malfunctioned, causing 120 drums to scatter across the roadway.

The incident occurred when the locking mechanism securing the cargo failed during transit, allowing the drums containing a chemical mixture with a 50 per cent concentration to break free from the vehicle. The exact nature of the chemical composition was not immediately disclosed.

Hazardous materials response teams were rapidly deployed to the scene to contain the spillage and assess potential environmental and safety risks. Traffic on the expressway was affected as authorities worked to clear the affected section and secure the loose drums.

Investigations into the cause of the barrier failure are underway. Authorities have not yet reported any injuries or damage to surrounding areas from the spill. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about cargo security standards for vehicles transporting hazardous materials on major highways.