Landslide at Karak, no vehicles buried despite early reports (Updated)

BENTONG: Heavy rain caused a massive landslide on the Karak Highway cutting off traffic in both directions after tonnes of soil from a hillslope covered roads at the Km52.4 near Bukit Tinggi.
No casualties were reported in the landslide that occurred at about 7.20pm but the incident caused major route diversions for those travelling to and fro the east coast.
An early reports had claimed several vehicles were buried by the landslide.
Bentong police chief Supt Mohamad Mansor Mohd Nor when contacted by theSun today said except for a lorry that was stuck in thick mud at the site, there were no other vehicles trapped in the soil.
"The lorry driver managed to escape to safety and there were no other vehicles involved. Workers are trying to clear a single lane for emergency vehicles and as of 11.30pm, about 20% of the work is complete.This will take some time as it is not merely soil that came down the hillslopes but tall trees, rocks and boulders. However, even if we clear the soil, the road cannot be re-opened until the hillslope is deemed safe by the relevant authorities. Currently, there is soil movement and a strong stream of water continues to flow down," he said.
Mohamad Mansor said there were dozens of policemen, firemen and members of other agencies at work at the site and police will keep the public posted on developments at the site.
A spokesman at the Bentong fire and rescue department said firemen rushed to the scene on receiving a distress call and attempted to clear a pathway for emergency vehicles to travel pass through the fallen soil.
He said there was massive traffic jam and vehicles were at a standstill for several kilometres from the affected portion of the highway.
Traffic police and firemen diverted vehicles from both directions to trunk roads at the Bentong and Genting Sempah interchange.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department operations assistant director Wan Nazlis also confirmed to theSun that there were no casualties involved in the landslide.
"Four vehicles, including one trailer, two cars and a four wheel drive were stranded. The victims were rescued and in safe hands," he said.
Wan Nazlis said three fire engines, one fire ambulance, and 20 Fire and Rescue department personnel from Bentong and Karak were deployed to the scene.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak tweeted: "I understand that there are some vehicles buried due to the landslide in the Karak Highway. Rescue efforts must be done immediately. We pray that all of the victims are safe."
"I hope other road users near the landslide are also safe. Remain clam while the authorities will resolve the traffic. Follow their instructions," Najib added.
Anih Berhad head of corporate communications Fazlyaton Hussein said at press time, Kuala Lumpur-Karak highway concessionaires (KLK) are currently clearing the roads.
"The road is expected to clear by tomorrow morning (Thursday)," she said in a statement, adding that the landslide has caused a 250m long area of damaged road.
Fazlyaton added that KLK will carry out a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the landslide.