KOTA BARU: A motorist was killed and several others injured when a car, believed to be loaded with firecrackers, exploded near a traffic light at Kampung Sireh, here, today.
There were claims that the car was struck by lightning but police have yet to confirm the matter. The victim has yet to be identified.
Apart from the burnt car, the 5pm incident also saw four other cars damaged and their drivers sustaining injuries.
Twelve firemen from Darulnaim and Tunjong Fire and Rescue stations rushed to the scene soon after receiving an emergency call at 5.39pm.
The firemen, led by Darulnaim Fire and Rescue chief Mohd Ridzuan Ali, took more than one hour to put out blaze.
A police team later arrived at the scene to investigate the case.
It could not be determined if the explosion was due to the lightning strike as witnesses said that they also saw some ball-type firecrackers exploding from inside the car.
The incident caused a traffic jam as villagers came out in droves to watch police collecting evidence at the scene.
State police chief Datuk Shafien Mamat is expected to issue a statement on the matter later tonight.