Pickup Driver Reports Hit-and-Run Tragedy on Jalan Kuching-Serian
KUCHING (Dec 19): A 63-year-old pickup truck driver has come forward to the police following a hit-and-run incident that tragically claimed the life of a pedestrian along KM45 of Jalan Kuching-Serian last night.
According to Serian District Police Chief DSP Neil Beginda, the driver lodged a report at the Serian Police Station at 11.56am today, detailing his account of the accident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver was traveling from Kuching to Serian on the right lane when the incident occurred.
“At approximately 8.50pm, the driver felt an impact on the right side of his vehicle but was unsure what he had hit. He stopped at a well-lit area about two kilometers away to inspect the damage. Other road users informed him that an object had been thrown at his vehicle,” said DSP Neil.
Unaware of the severity of the situation, the driver continued his journey. Later, he was informed that his vehicle was involved in a collision with a pedestrian.
The collision caused significant damage to the pickup truck, including the front right bumper, right headlight, side mirror, and license plate.
The victim was identified as 70-year-old Hanggu Bahda from Kampung Sampun Kelili, Asajaya. Hanggu suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.
A police report was also lodged by the victim’s niece, Dorothy Lenjong, 24, at 10.53am this morning.
Police are continuing their investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. Authorities urge road users to exercise extra caution, particularly at night, to avoid such tragedies.
