A tanker lorry carrying acid chemicals overturned at kilometer 251.6 North-South Expressway (PLUS) this morning, killing the lorry driver.

The incident which happened around 3am today, was said to have happened because the lorry was trying to avoid hitting a car.

According to preliminary reports, the 37-year-old victim is known as Surazru Mohamed Sakeri.

The Fire and Rescue Department did not rule out the possibility that the man could have died after inhaling poisonous gas emitted from the spilled acid, apart from suffering severe injuries.

The body was sent to the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital (HTJ) for a post-mortem.

The hazardous materials unit (Hazmat) is currently cleaning the acid spillage.

Following the incident, the route to Melaka starting from Seremban to Senawang Tol Plaza was closed and oad users from Melaka were directed to the Pedas-Linggi Toll Plaza for alternative routes.