BUKIT MERTAJAM: Thousands of motorists travelling along the North-South Expressway going towards the Juru toll plaza were caught in a 5km jam following an accident.

In the 12.40pm incident yesterday, a tanker spun out of control at Km149 near the Tambun exit and came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the highway.

Frustrated motorists were stranded for over an hour under the hot sun as highway officials tried to tow away the tanker.

Central Seberang Prai OCPD Asst Comm Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abdul Hamid said the 36-year-old tanker driver A. Thomas from Part Buntar had to pull the emergency brake when the car in front suddenly stopped.

“Another car driven by Wong Choo Kang from Jawi couldn’t stop in time and collided into the back of the tanker.

“A 24-year-old passenger in his car was injured and was rushed to hospital,” he said.

In George Town, a five-tonne lorry transporting sand toppled over along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, causing a minor traffic jam.

In the 11.45am incident yesterday, the driver lost control of the lorry near the Queensbay Mall stretch in Bayan Lepas after one tyre burst.

The lorry, which was heading towards George Town from Batu Maung, then rammed into the divider before toppling over.

The slightly injured driver was sent to hospital.

The Fire and Rescue Department was called in to clear the petrol spill while Penang Island City Council workers removed the debris. They finally cleared the road at 2.45pm.-thestar