MIRI, Jan 2 – A tragic accident at Kilometre 909 of the Pan Borneo Highway claimed two lives on Monday (Dec 30). The fatal collision involved a Perodua Kancil and a lorry, leaving the small car’s driver and passenger dead at the scene.
According to Miri District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, the 68-year-old driver of the Perodua Kancil, traveling from Bintulu to Miri, is believed to have lost control of the vehicle. The car veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on collision with a lorry driven by a 45-year-old man.
“The impact caused extensive damage to the front of both vehicles,” said ACP Alexson in a statement. He confirmed that the driver of the Perodua and a 61-year-old female passenger succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The lorry driver, however, escaped unscathed.
Emergency responders arrived quickly to secure the area and recover the victims. The bodies of the deceased were sent to Miri Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Police have launched an investigation under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which deals with causing death by reckless or dangerous driving.
This stretch of the Pan Borneo Highway has seen several accidents in recent years, prompting calls for improved road safety measures. Authorities continue to urge motorists to drive cautiously, particularly during wet weather conditions and on winding stretches of the highway.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving. Families and loved ones are left grieving the loss of two lives, making this tragedy a grim start to the new year.
