JOHOR BARU: A Health Ministry staff member died while three of his colleagues sustained injuries after their van hit the back of a lorry at KM9.7 of the North-South Highway here.

       Larkin Fire and Rescue station chief Suhaimi Abdul Jamal said they received a distress call about a road accident at 11.58am on Wednesday (Aug 18).

       He said 14 firemen with five assets from the Larkin and Skudai stations were deployed to the scene.

       “When we arrived, we found four ministry staff members stuck inside the wrecked van including the driver, who died at the scene,” he said.

       Suhaimi said firefighters had to use rescue equipment to free the victims, which took them 11 minutes.

       He added that the deceased was taken to hospital in an Emergency Medical Response Services (EMRS) vehicle while ambulances transported the three injured victims to get medical treatment.

       “We have been told that the van was on its way from Kluang to Permai Hospital here prior to the incident,” he said, adding that the operation ended at 1.24pm.