Betong – A senior citizen was killed while a passenger suffered serious injuries after a Perodua Axia crashed into a road divider along the Pan Borneo Highway near the P-Roundabout area in Tanjung Skrang, Betong, earlier today. The incident has once again raised concerns over road safety along major highways in Sarawak, especially in high-speed stretches.
According to the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre, the emergency call was received at 1.46pm. Following the alert, a rescue team from the Betong Fire and Rescue Station was immediately deployed to the scene. The team, led by PBK II Mohamad Faizal Rashid, arrived at around 2.07pm after travelling approximately 20 kilometres.
Upon arrival, rescuers found a Perodua Axia that had collided heavily with a road divider. The impact of the crash left both occupants trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency personnel confirmed that the driver, an elderly man, had died at the scene. Medical officers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) verified his death upon assessment.
The passenger, a 30-year-old man, sustained severe injuries due to the force of the collision and the crushed condition of the vehicle. Firefighters were required to use specialized Road Traffic Accident (RTA) rescue equipment to carefully extricate both victims from the wreckage. The rescue operation was carried out in coordination with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and MOH medical teams.
After being freed from the vehicle, the injured passenger was placed on a stretcher and given initial emergency treatment at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for further medical care. The body of the deceased driver was handed over to police authorities for further investigation and documentation procedures.
The rescue operation involved six firefighters supported by a Fire Rescue and Extinguishing (FRT) unit and an Emergency Medical and Rescue Service (EMRS) vehicle. The operation was brought under control at 3.15pm and officially concluded shortly after, once cleanup work at the accident site was completed.
Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash. Road users are reminded to exercise caution, particularly along highways where speed and unexpected road conditions can quickly lead to fatal consequences.
This incident adds to the growing number of serious road accidents reported on major routes in Sarawak, reinforcing the need for continuous awareness and responsible driving.
