Car accidents involving vehicles plunging into lakes are rare but deeply concerning. Such incidents can be fatal if drivers or passengers are unable to escape. While uncommon, these events highlight the need for safety precautions around water bodies.
On Saturday, a female e-hailing driver narrowly escaped tragedy when her car sank into a lake near The Mines Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur. A video capturing the incident showed a white Toyota Vios sinking while the driver remained trapped inside. The footage also featured security personnel approaching the vehicle in a boat to rescue the woman.
According to a statement by Serdang District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Anbalagan Arumugan, the incident occurred at around 3:30pm. The victim, a 49-year-old woman, was on her way to pick up a passenger at Aesthetica Residence in Seri Kembangan during heavy rain. She claimed her car skidded after hitting a puddle, leading to it plunging into the lake. Fortunately, she managed to escape through a side window just before the car completely sank. She was subsequently rescued by security personnel in the boat.
The TikTok video of the event sparked widespread concern, with many commenting on the lake’s depth. Several users mentioned that the lake, previously a tin mine, is reputed to be one of the deepest in the world, as the lake has depths ranging between 610 meters and 700 meters. A user criticised the decision to build a shopping mall near such a hazardous site, suggesting it increased the risk of accidents. Others questioned how the accident occurred, while some shared similar experiences involving the lake.
The Mines Shopping Centre, well-known for its scenic boat rides and lakeside attractions, is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. However, given the lake’s depth, visitors are advised to exercise caution while near the area to prevent similar incidents in the future. You can watch the viral video here:
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Source: TikTok, Harian Metro
Sakinah contributed to this article.
