Kota Kinabalu: Two people, including a kindergarten-aged boy, were injured when a tree unexpectedly fell onto their vehicles - an Axia and a Honda - along Jalan Tuaran near Shan Tao School, here, Wednesday.
The incident happened at approximately 6.45am under clear skies, with no rain or strong winds reported at the time. The accident caused an hour long traffic congestion from both sides of the route.
The accident involved a 32-year man driving a Perodua Axia with his five-year-old son in the front passenger seat when the tree fell. They were en route to the child’s school when the incident happened. The man’s son sustained head injuries requiring three stitches, as well as injuries to his arms.
The second vehicle, a Honda, was traveling from Likas toward Kota Kinabalu.
Its driver, a 43-year-old man, suffered injuries to his right knee. City police SM Morni was present at the scene to investigate.
Meanwhile, Warisan Division Information Chief Samuel Wong has called for the Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) to strengthen its tree management and maintenance efforts throughout the city.
His statement came in reaction to an incident where a fallen tree damaged two vehicles on Jalan Tuaran in Likas on a clear Wednesday morning with no adverse weather conditions. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.
He noted that many trees in the area are old and require proper inspection and maintenance to ensure public safety.
He cited a similar incident in May last year near Kian Kok Middle School when a tree fell during heavy rainfall, pointing out that regular maintenance is essential regardless of weather patterns.
