TELUPID: Nearly 35 vehicles were stranded Saturday night after a tree-fall incident along the Ranau-Telupid Road.
The incident is believed to have occurred around 9.04 pm during a bout of heavy rain. Several large forest trees reportedly collapsed, completely blocking both lanes of the road and severely disrupting traffic flow.
According to Telupid Civil Defence Officer Lt. (PA) Sopihan Muhammad, the Telupid Civil Defence Force (APM) was immediately mobilised to the scene upon receiving the distress call. The team was deployed to conduct safety inspections and carry out cutting and clearance operations using specialized equipment.
The rescue party arrived at the location at about 10.22 pm and confirmed that multiple trees had fallen across the carriageway. Compounding the situation, a minor landslide occurred at the same site, which significantly hindered efforts to haul the debris to the roadside.
The clearance operation was carried out with strict priority given to safety protocols to prevent any injuries. The team successfully completed the cutting and removal works at 12.07 am, after all obstructing trees were fully cleared. The area was subsequently declared safe and under control.
No casualties or injuries were reported throughout the incident. Motorists are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling through this route, especially during rainy weather, which may trigger recurring tree falls and slope collapses. – James Leong
The tree fall incident along Ranau -Telupid Road on Saturday night.
