Electronic billboard fire on Federal Highway causes traffic disruption
Nine foreign workers rescued from burning billboard.
KUALA LUMPUR - An electronic billboard near the Bangsar exit on the Federal Highway caught fire this afternoon, causing significant traffic congestion.
A 16-second video circulating online shows thick black smoke billowing from the burning billboard, with debris falling onto the roadway below. Firefighters and police personnel were seen in the video working to extinguish the blaze, manage traffic, and ensure driver safety.
The fire, which began at an unknown time, escalated quickly, causing parts of the billboard to detach and fall onto the highway.
This led to severe traffic jams as drivers navigated the debris-strewn lanes.
The smoke was reportedly visible from several kilometres away, prompting many to slow down or stop their vehicles.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Authorities have yet to release an official statement.
Media reports indicated that nine foreign workers were rescued from the incident.
According to one of the victims, the base of the electronic billboard short-circuited before the fire spread to the top.
Firefighters are still working to extinguish the blaze as of this writing.
