BEKENU – A tragic accident on the Pan Borneo Highway at Kilometre 886.1, Jalan Bintulu-Miri near Ladang 3, Batu Niah, claimed the life of a lorry driver while three others sustained injuries earlier this morning.
According to reports from Utusan Sarawak, the crash occurred at approximately 8.23 am, involving a Perodua Aruz and a container lorry. Both vehicles were heading towards Miri when the collision happened.
The three survivors, a married couple in the Perodua Aruz and the container lorry driver, suffered injuries and were rushed to Miri Hospital by a Ministry of Health (MOH) medical team.
The accident caused severe traffic congestion, as only one side of the road remained open to vehicles. Motorists were advised to exercise caution while traveling through the affected area.
A spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department’s (JBPM) Operations Centre (PGO) stated that they received an emergency call regarding the incident at 8.23 am. A fire engine arrived at the scene at 8.50 am, by which time members of the public had successfully rescued the injured victims.
Firefighters then focused on extricating the trapped lorry driver. As of 10.15 am, emergency responders were still working with a towing company to remove the lorry, as the deceased victim remained pinned beneath the vehicle. By 12.16 pm, authorities confirmed that the body had been retrieved.
The deceased has been identified as Derald Suggin, a 36-year-old Bidayuh man. The rescue operation was led by PBK II Operations Commander Raymond Sigan Candang, along with seven members from the Batu Niah Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) and two fire engines.
Among the agencies assisting at the scene were the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), the Road Transport Department (JPJ), and the Ministry of Health.
Authorities are urging motorists to be extra careful when traveling along the Pan Borneo Highway, especially in accident-prone areas. Investigations into the cause of the accident are ongoing.
