Tuaran: Five students from the Mara Skills Institute Kota Kinabalu died on the spot when their Toyota Wish collided with a trailer near the Rela Training Centre along Jalan Sulaman at 2.30pm, Friday.
According to the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM), the victims were all males in their early 20s.
They were identified as Harianto Anuar, Neil Stanly Pletinie, Mohd Ikwan Kurniawan, Mohd Zuhaikal Mohd Zaidy and Daniel Sarag Jimmy. Their vehicle reportedly lost control, struck a road divider and collided with the trailer heading uphill.
The impact left the vehicle badly damaged, with rescuers having to use special equipment to free the trapped occupants.
All five were confirmed dead by Health Ministry personnel. Their bodies were handed over to police for further action.
The 48-year-old lorry driver escaped unharmed. The students were believed on their way to a camping trip in Kota Belud.
A fellow student in another vehicle said they realised something was wrong when the SUV failed to keep up.
“We turned back and were met with the horrifying sight,” he recounted, adding that their lecturer was also at the scene.
JBPM said nine firefighters from Kota Kinabalu station were deployed to the scene with assistance from police and medical teams. The operation was declared under control at 3.15pm. Authorities are expected to release further details as investigations continue.
