Pillion Rider Killed in Tragic Accident with MPV Near Tawau
KOTA KINABALU: A devastating accident claimed the life of a 70-year-old pillion rider when the motorcycle he was on collided with a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in Tawau on Wednesday, June 5. The incident occurred at Kilometre 7 of Jalan Tawau – Semporna around 3.55 pm.
The motorcycle, ridden by a 15-year-old boy, was involved in a crash that left him injured. Fortunately, the driver of the MPV, a 45-year-old man, and his passenger escaped unharmed. Tawau district police chief Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin provided details of the incident in a statement released later that day.
ACP Jasmin Hussin reported that the police received information about the fatal accident at 4.07 pm. Both vehicles were traveling in the same direction on a stretch of road with separate lanes. The MPV was en route from Tawau Airport to the city, while the motorcycle was heading towards Kampung Blok 31 Jalan Apas.
“The investigation found that the motorcyclist suddenly changed its course and entered the right lane,” said ACP Jasmin. This sudden maneuver resulted in an unavoidable collision with the MPV. The impact caused the MPV to swerve to the left, dragging the motorcycle along with it.
Tragically, the pillion rider succumbed to severe injuries and the loss of his right leg at the scene of the accident. The young motorcyclist, while injured, survived the crash.
The case is currently under investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which pertains to causing death by reckless or dangerous driving. Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to this heartbreaking incident.
