Malaysians Scramble for Spilled Money After Road Crash

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
January 19, 2011 at 9:01 am

Dozens of motorists scrambled out of their vehicles on one of Malaysia's busiest highways after a truck accident spilled thousands of dollars worth of coins across the roadway.

Authorities say the motorists parked their cars haphazardly while they scooped the coins into pockets, plastic bags, motorcycle helmets or whatever else was available. News reports Wednesday said some ran into fast-moving traffic lanes without concern for their safety.

Officials say more than $20,000 worth of coins was spilled across the North-South Expressway, one of Malaysia's most important thoroughfares. The driver of the truck had been traveling with a friend to deliver the coins to shops in the resort town of Malacca.

News reports quoted the driver of the truck saying neither he nor his friend was seriously injured.