Husband and wife die in fiery crash: SUV driver suspected of drunk driving

THE deaths of the married couple in the early hours of Saturday after their car burst into flames following a collision with a sport utility vehicle along the Kuala Lumpur–Kuantan road near Taman Tualang Indah in Mentakab, may have been caused by drink-driving.

The victims, aged 34 and 35, were found charred inside their Proton Preve after it was struck from behind at about 12.55am at Kilometre 134 of the federal route.

Temerloh district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nasyim Bahron said initial investigations indicate that both vehicles were travelling from Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan when the incident occurred.

“Preliminary investigations found that the accident occurred when the victims were travelling from Kuala Lumpur towards Kuantan, while the SUV was also coming from the same direction.

“Upon reaching the location, the SUV is believed to have lost control before crashing into the rear of the Proton Preve,” he said in a statement on Saturday.

The impact forced both vehicles onto the road shoulder. The Proton Preve subsequently caught fire, trapping the driver and passenger inside.

“In the incident, the Proton Preve caught fire, resulting in the driver and passenger dying at the scene.

“The bodies of both victims have been sent to Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (HoSHAS), Temerloh for post-mortem examination,” he said.

The driver of the Porsche Cayenne, a 28-year-old man, sustained injuries to his hand. Police believe he may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Blood and urine samples from the driver have been taken for toxicology analysis and we are awaiting the results.

“The application for remand against the man has been allowed for four days until February 17,” Mohd Nasyim said.

The case is being investigated under Section 44(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which covers causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Police have urged witnesses to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Zulfadli Zakaria, public relations officer for the Pahang Fire and Rescue Department, said the Mentakab Fire and Rescue Station received an emergency call at 12.57am. A team was dispatched immediately to the scene.

“After the fire was fully extinguished, rescue personnel used hydraulic equipment to cut open the vehicle structure to remove the victims’ bodies,” he said. - February 14, 2026