SANDAKAN: A 62-year-old woman was killed after being hit by an Isuzu D-Max while crossing a dark road to fetch water in Batu Sapi on Friday night, bringing renewed attention to long-standing frustrations over water disruptions and poor infrastructure in the area.
Warisan Sandakan division deputy chief Alex TK Wong said the victim, who lived in Kampung Bakau, had left her home around 7.15pm on Aug 23 to collect water after several days without supply.
“She would not have been outside if there had been water,” Alex said during a visit to the victim’s family, where he offered condolences and handed financial aid to the victim’s sister, who is also in her 60s.
Police said the incident occurred when a 31-year-old local was driving his Isuzu D-Max from the town centre towards Taman Mawar. As he approached the area, the victim suddenly crossed from right to left, and the driver could not brake in time to avoid hitting her.
The woman suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was later sent to the forensic unit at Hospital Duchess of Kent, Sandakan, for a post-mortem.
Alex said this tragedy could have been avoided if authorities had addressed the recurring water and electricity disruptions in Batu Sapi.
He urged authorities to take immediate action to improve basic infrastructure in Batu Sapi and surrounding areas, saying reliable water and electricity supply, along with proper streetlighting, are critical to avoid further loss of life.
Warisan Sandakan division deputy chief Alex TK Wong said the victim, who lived in Kampung Bakau, had left her home around 7.15pm on Aug 23 to collect water after several days without supply.
“She would not have been outside if there had been water,” Alex said during a visit to the victim’s family, where he offered condolences and handed financial aid to the victim’s sister, who is also in her 60s.
Police said the incident occurred when a 31-year-old local was driving his Isuzu D-Max from the town centre towards Taman Mawar. As he approached the area, the victim suddenly crossed from right to left, and the driver could not brake in time to avoid hitting her.
The woman suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her body was later sent to the forensic unit at Hospital Duchess of Kent, Sandakan, for a post-mortem.
Alex said this tragedy could have been avoided if authorities had addressed the recurring water and electricity disruptions in Batu Sapi.
He urged authorities to take immediate action to improve basic infrastructure in Batu Sapi and surrounding areas, saying reliable water and electricity supply, along with proper streetlighting, are critical to avoid further loss of life.