SARIKEI, 4 July – A tragic road accident claimed the lives of three men after two four-wheel drive vehicles collided at the P-Turn 1-41B section of the Pan Borneo Highway between Sarikei and Sibu on Saturday night.
The fatal crash occurred at around 8.31pm and involved a single cab four-wheel drive and a double cab four-wheel drive. Another driver survived the accident with only minor injuries.
According to a spokesperson from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Operations Centre, an emergency call was received at 8.31pm, prompting firefighters from the Sarikei Fire and Rescue Station (BBP Sarikei) to respond immediately.
The rescue team, led by Senior Fire Officer II Dingat anak Ngadi, arrived at the scene at 8.47pm after travelling approximately 14 kilometres.
Initial investigations at the scene found that the double cab vehicle was carrying three male occupants. One of the victims was thrown out of the vehicle during the collision, while the other two became trapped inside the badly damaged vehicle.
The single cab vehicle was occupied only by its driver, who escaped the crash with minor injuries.
Firefighters quickly assessed the situation before using specialised rescue equipment to free the two trapped victims from the wreckage. After the rescue operation was completed, all victims were handed over to medical personnel from the Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) for further examination.
Medical officers later confirmed that all three men travelling in the double cab vehicle had died at the scene due to severe injuries sustained in the collision.
Meanwhile, the driver of the single cab vehicle received treatment for minor injuries.
The emergency response involved nine personnel from BBP Sarikei, supported by a Compact Fire Rescue Tender (CFRT) and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) vehicle.
Following the rescue operation, firefighters remained at the scene while waiting for officers from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to complete documentation and carry out further investigations into the cause of the accident.
The exact circumstances leading to the collision have yet to be determined, and police are expected to continue their investigation.
The latest tragedy adds to the growing concern over road safety along the Pan Borneo Highway, one of Sarawak’s busiest road networks. Motorists are reminded to remain alert, obey traffic regulations and exercise extra caution, especially when approaching U-turn sections and travelling at night.
Authorities have urged road users to prioritise safe driving practices to help prevent similar fatal accidents in the future as investigations into the incident continue.
