According to The Star:
Among the earliest to arrive on the scene was 31-year-old Teo Chai Yong.My condolences to the family of Florina anak Joseph and the occupants of the Vios, Chong Kah Choon, 17, and Cheng Yoke Sin, 24, who suffered serious injuries and have been warded at Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
He was on the phone with the emergency hotline operator when he heard the frightened screams of “Tolong! Tolong! Help me!” from a woman in a Myvi. Sparks flew from under the car.
Teo quickly drove to the nearest 24-hour petrol station, less than 500m away, hoping to find a fire extinguisher.
“As I ran up to the paying counter, I saw four fire extinguishers behind the glass door. An attendant was on the other side.
“I pleaded with him to let me have the fire extinguisher and screamed that someone was pinned inside a burning car.
“But he just stared at me and kept saying he was not allowed to open the door after hours,” Teo said.
In desperation, Teo even offered to buy the extinguishers and showed the attendant his identity card.
Shortly, a second attendant showed up beside the first man and told Teo to call the fire department if there was a fire.
In frustation, Teo rushed back to the accident scene, only to see the car, with the woman still inside, engulfed in flames.
“She was still screaming but I could do nothing. I just stood there, her screams grew more frantic before fading away,” he said in a telephone interview.
BH Petrol’s managing director Tan Kim Thiam, when contacted, expressed regret over the incident at one of their petrol stations.
I am deeply concerned about the trend whereby more and more youth are keeping late nights. Nocturnal visits to internet cafes, nasi kandar centres (especially with the World Cup) or even to entertainment centres are most unhealthy habits because their safety is at risk. At the same time, their parents would be worrying about their kids and why they have not come home. Would Florina have been alive today if she, Chong Kah Choon and Cheng Yoke Sin had not been out at the time of the night? I empathize with their parents and much as I am saddened, I know I cannot fully feel the magnitude of their grief and sadness. I do have tears in my eyes as I type this.
If indeed one suffers from insomnia or hunger, I would recommend home-made sandwiches or even reading a book, watching a very boring movie which could easily put one to sleep or even surfing the net to be gainfully occupied if counting sheep is looked upon with disdain.
Life is so precious...one must not put oneself at risk by driving at night or driving recklessly or being out at unearthly hours!
My late father always insisted that I was home by midnight even after I graduated and was working. I recall it was a bone of contention between us as I could not understand why he was so insistent. Nonetheless, I did not want to exacerbate the situation and did abide by the house rules even though I grumbled all the way. Then, when I had my boys, I realized why he imposed the curfew. Needless to say I have had my share of worrying while my older boy was out at nasi kandar stalls which is why this tragedy resonates with me. I can have a rough idea about how the parents feel.
I still remember one of my Sociology classes five years ago. It was the morning after the college Prom Night which I did not attend as I am not one who likes to be all decked in frills and finery. One girl walked into my class, sat down in front of me and took out a piece of paper and passed it to the girl sitting behind her. I heard her say "Here's a cheque for RM10 000". My eyes popped out. Out of curiosity, I asked her if anything was wrong and she said that is was compensation for smashing the other girl's car very badly. I did not say anything else for I had only taught them for a few weeks.
I still recall another case where one guy told me that he could not hand up my assignment because he was at the police station the whole night. Again, I asked what had happened and he said he totalled his mom's Perdana. He saw my look of disbelief and showed me the pics of the accident in his handphone. Indeed the car was gone. I had a tete-a-tete with this boy whom had been in two of my courses and advised him to live a less dangerous lifestyle. He graduated and is now working for a bank while pursuing his masters.
When young, it is easy for youth to enjoy their taste of freedom, especially when they have acquired a driving license or even one for motorcycles. Yet, with freedom comes responsibility. So if you are a youth, do take care, drive/ride safely and treasure life and remember how your parents could be worrying about you when you are out...
Secondly, there is the whole question of safety. I thank God for civic-conscious 31-year-old Teo Chai Yong who tried his best to get the fire-extinguishers from the petrol station. I do not blame the staff for they have to follow their orders. At the same time, the dreamer in me wished that a passer-by had a fire-extinguisher in his/her car to go to Florina's assistance.
Safety is something which we take for granted.
I have seen cars burst into flames in a few minutes after stalling along the road. Thankfully for me, I have never seen anyone burnt to death. My heart goes out to Teo Chai Yong and other witnesses of the accident. The memory of her screams and seeing the charred remains must be a very scarring experience.
I truly wish that each of us will have a fire-extinguisher in our cars. I checked mine and it has expired and I will be getting a replacement later in the afternoon. One of my friends, J.S. Tee who is in fire-fighting services, told me years ago that every car and kitchen must have a fire-extinguisher. Frankly, I never took him seriously until I read the news about the tragedy.
Today, as the school holidays begin, may each of us who are travelling near and far take extra precaution to observe safety guidelines and to be ready to help those who are in need. May Florina rest in peace and may the Almighty heal Chong Kah Choon and Cheng Yoke Sin.
Life is precious...let us value and appreciate every second of our life. Have a blessed weekend!
Ummie When nights are not the time anymore for retreat,
It is high time for nights to make its exit,
Then people will ask why the sun works 24/7
Living the world's life to the fullest no more a haven.