SERIAN: A tragic road accident along the busy Kuching–Serian Road claimed the life of a senior citizen on Wednesday afternoon, while two other occupants were injured in the incident at Mile 28, Kampung Lintang Baru.
The accident happened at about 2.52 pm when the car, a Proton Saga, was believed to have lost control before skidding off the road and plunging into a ditch. The location is a known stretch frequently used by commuters travelling between Kuching and Serian.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Operations Centre, an emergency call was received at 2.52 pm, prompting an immediate response from personnel of the Serian Fire and Rescue Station. The rescue team was led by Senior Fire Officer I Zaidel Zailani.
Upon arrival at the scene, rescuers found the vehicle partially submerged in the ditch. Inside the car were three individuals consisting of the driver and two passengers. The driver, identified as Then Let Fui, aged 70, was found trapped in the driver’s seat and unconscious at the time of rescue operations.
The two passengers, an elderly man and a child, had managed to escape the vehicle. Although they were injured, both were not trapped and were conscious when help arrived. Firefighters focused on freeing the trapped driver while ensuring the safety of the other victims at the scene.
Medical personnel from the Ministry of Health Malaysia later confirmed that the driver had died at the scene. His body was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation and necessary procedures.
The two injured passengers were transported by ambulance to the hospital for further medical treatment. Their condition was not disclosed at the time of reporting.
Police are investigating the cause of the accident, including the possibility of road conditions, vehicle issues, or other contributing factors. Motorists using the Kuching-Serian Road are advised to remain cautious, especially during afternoon hours when traffic volume is usually high.
This incident serves as another reminder of the dangers on Sarawak roads, particularly for elderly drivers and families travelling together. Authorities continue to urge all road users to drive carefully, obey speed limits, and remain alert at all times to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
