The scenario, which took place across lanes cordoned off from busy traffic, involved an accident among vehicles moving towards Singapore.
A motorcycle and a car collide in front of a lorry carrying 10 drums of hydrochloric acid. To avoid hitting them, the lorry driver swerves, losing control and hitting a barrier wall.
The impact knocks five drums of hydrochloric acid onto the road. Two drums on Singapore’s side rupture, spilling hydrochloric acid. Three drums roll to Malaysia’s side, with two similarly rupturing.
Concentrated hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can cause burns. Inhalation of the vapours can also cause coughing, choking, inflammation of the respiratory system, fluid in the lungs, circulatory failure and even death.