MIRI: A fuel tanker truck crashed and overturned about 8.30am on Sunday at Km52 Miri coastal road near Kampung Pelapi in Bekenu.
Fortunately the driver identified as Jerry Jawa, 30, from Kanowit, managed to escape before the tanker erupted into flames.
State traffic police chief, Superintendent Alexson Naga Chabu, said the truck carrying diesel and Ron 95 was on its way to Miri from Bintulu.
Plumes of smoke from the fire could be seen from as far away as five kilometres.
Both sides of the road were closed following the crash as the lorry was smack in the middle.
A team 10 firemen from Miri fire station and six from Lopeng were deployed to the scene, according to fire chief for zone 6 Miri, Supt Law Poh Kiong.
Alexson said the accident is being investigated under the Road Traffic Rule (LN 166/59) for careless driving resulting in an accident.
