SUNGAI PETANI: A 52-year-old man died when a tree fell on his car while he was driving in front of Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital here at about 8pm yesterday.
A Kedah fire and rescue department spokesman said S Karthigesu was pinned to the driver’s seat and died at the scene.
“A team from the Amanjaya fire and rescue station went to the location after the department was alerted to the incident at 8.27pm.
“On arrival, the victim was found trapped in his car. The team managed to extricate him but he was confirmed dead by medical personnel,” the spokesman said.
Five other vehicles were damaged by several uprooted trees but the number of people injured could not be ascertained, as they were taken to the hospital by passersby.
The spokesman said more than 10 trees were uprooted following heavy rain and strong winds in the area. He said a fallen electricity pole had blocked the road.
“Several agencies, including the police, health ministry, civil defence force, Sungai Petani municipal council and the nearby volunteer fire brigade, helped to clear the road and remove the fallen trees,” he said.