SARIKEI: A tragic accident in Sarikei claimed the life of a 61-year-old man this morning. The victim, who was riding a Yamaha Lagenda motorcycle, collided with a Toyota Vios car at Kilometer 431 of Jalan Betong-Sarikei-Meradong, near Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Paoh.
The Sarikei District Police Chief, Superintendent Aswandy Anis, confirmed that the accident took place at around 8:30 am. The elderly man, who was badly injured in the crash, was declared dead at the scene by a medical team from Sarikei Hospital. He sustained severe injuries to his head and left leg, which contributed to his tragic passing.
According to Superintendent Aswandy, the accident occurred when the woman driving the Toyota Vios, from the nearby village of Sesang, was traveling towards Sibu along a straight stretch of road. As she reached the location, the victim’s motorcycle suddenly veered out from a road divider opposite SK Sungai Paoh, crossing into the right lane towards Jakar.
The two vehicles collided, with the front of the car hitting the left side of the motorcycle. Despite the severity of the crash, the woman driving the car was unharmed.
Initial investigations suggest that the motorcycle’s exit from the road divider, which was located in a busy area, may have contributed to the accident. The police are continuing their investigations under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which deals with reckless driving leading to death.
Both the motorcycle and the car sustained extensive damage in the crash. The police have urged anyone who may have information about the incident to come forward and contact Traffic Investigating Officer Inspector Ahmad Mustaqim Idris at 010-4427240 or any nearby police station.
As a reminder, the authorities are advising all road users to exercise caution while driving to ensure their own safety and that of others on the road.
