GEORGE TOWN: Authorities are intensifying efforts to locate a car that plunged off the Penang bridge early this morning.
Seberang Prai Tengah district police chief Assistant Commissioner Nik Ros Azhan Nik Abd Hamid said the car has been identified as a white sports utility vehicle (SUV).
It is unknown how many persons were inside the vehicle or if they survived.
“The search is still ongoing and we have roped in four divers from the marine police and the Fire and Rescue Department.
“If we manage to locate the vehicle, the bridge authority will help pull it out of the water using a crane,” he said.
He also confirmed the authenticity of a 20-second dashcam video footage, which captured the incident unfolding.
The video clip, which showed the white SUV being hit by a black Toyota Vios before plunging into the sea, has gone viral on social media.
“However, we need to investigate further.
“We will probe on all angles, including claims that both cars may be racing prior to the incident,” he added.
Earlier today, it was reported that a collision between two cars on the Penang Bridge caused one of the vehicles to crash through the guard rail and plunge into the sea.
The accident took place at 2.50am at Km4 of the bridge, in the direction of the mainland.
When rescuers arrived at the scene, they found a heavily damaged Toyota Vios, while witnesses said the other car had fallen into the sea.
Meanwhile, a spokesman from the Fire and Rescue Department said the search area involved a 50ft radius.
“Due to the swift (water) flow, we are facing some difficulties now,” he added.
Marine Police Region 1 commander Assistant Commissioner Rosman Ismail told newsmen that the water at the search area was murky, rendering rescue efforts difficult.