Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Likely Caused MPV Crash At Bentong Toll Barrier

Traffic police officers, as well as toll booth staff and members of the public extracting victims out of the crashed MPV at the Bentong Toll Plaza yesterday. (Image source: Facebook)

Bernama reported that a family of four, believed to be performing Hari Raya travels from Tok Bali, Kelantan to Balakong Selangor, were victims of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning when their Proton Exora MPV crashed into the Bentong toll barrier yesterday (Monday, April 24, 2023).

The incident, which occurred around 2:40PM, saw traffic police personnel who were patrolling nearby, toll booth staff, and members of the public rushing to extract all occupants from the MPV after it crashed into one of the barriers of the Bentong toll plaza.

All occupants – including the driver – were reportedly found unconscious when extracted to safety by police and toll booth staff. “A medical examination confirmed they were unconscious due to the lack of oxygen in their bodies,” said Bentong district police chief Supt. Zaiham Mohd Kahar to Bernama.

Thankfully, Bernama also reported that all victims, which included two children, had regained consciousness and were no longer in danger upon receiving medical treatment.

All four occupants were reportedly unconscious when they were extracted. (Image source: Facebook)

CO poisoning in cars isn’t a new occurrence, and are usually related to a leaking exhaust, primarily occurring in stationary vehicles that have both the engine and air-conditioner running. Such incidents can also occur in moving cars, perhaps explaining this latest incident.

By the way, take note that CO leakages can happen in BOTH old and new cars. Additionally, CO poisoning can occur whilst the car engine is idling at a standstill (i.e. whilst taking a break at an R&R) or moving slowly in heavy traffic conditions – the latter being a common occurrence during festive holiday travels.

As CO gas is both odourless and tasteless, it can be can be especially dangerous for people who are asleep, drugged or drunk. In fact, CO poisoning can cause brain damage or death due to oxygen deprivation before anyone realizes there's a problem.

Thankfully, all four occupants of the crashed MPV gained consciousness upon receiving medical treatment. (Image source: Facebook)

In a driving scenario, early signs and symptoms of CO poisoning may include temperature changes in the cabin, followed by bouts of nausea, dizziness, headache, shortness of breath, fatigue or tiredness, as well as blurred vision, all of which occurring before loss of consciousness.

If you are such signs whilst driving, especially during long journeys you may be performing during this Raya holidays, immediately open your car windows and, when safe to do so, come to a safe stop and alight from the vehicle immediately.

Also, if you plan to rest in your car in between driving stints, please don’t nap with both the engine and air conditioner running.