LAHAD DATU: Two people were killed while four others seriously injured after the Perodua Alza they were travelling in skidded and crashed into an oil palm tree at Km 61, Jalan Lahad Datu-Tungku, here, early Tuesday.
The Alza was heading towards Tungku from Lahad Datu town when the incident happened about 5.55am.
District Police Chief ACP Rohan Shah Ahmad said the Alza driver, a 46-year-old woman, lost control of the wheel and crashed into an oil palm tree at the road shoulder before plunging into an oil palm plantation nearby.
“The driver and an 11-year-old boy were killed on the spot while four other passengers, aged between 9 and 17, sustained serious injuries,” he said.
According to Rohan, the injured were taken to Tungku Clinic for early treatment and later brought to the Lahad Datu Hospital for further treatment.
He said preliminary investigation showed the accident was due to the driver failing to control the vehicle. However, further investigation is still ongoing.
“The driver was not driving under the influence of drug or alcohol, but blood samples have been taken for analysis. Investigation is still ongoing under Section 41(1) of Road Transport Act 1987,” he said.
He urged those who witnessed the incident to contact Traffic Investigating Officer Insp. Muhammad Rasul Ramlee (089-881255 ext. 414) to assist in the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department deployed nine firefighters along with a fire engine and an EMRS vehicle to the scene after receiving a distress call at 6.15am.
It was learnt that the two who were killed were a teacher at SK Ulu Tungku, Asina Makajal, and her son, Ahmad Fiqri Hazem.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
