Lahad Datu Crash Claims Three Lives

LAHAD DATU, July 2 (Bernama) -- Three men were killed after the four-wheel-drive vehicle they were travelling in collided with a trailer carrying palm oil at Batu 16, Jalan Lahad Datu-Sandakan, last night.

Lahad Datu Fire and Rescue Station chief Sumsoa Rashid said the victims have been identified as the driver Mohd Azizi, 28, and front passenger Mohd Rasman Ahmat Kechil, 28, as well as Muhammad Zulkhairi Ismail, 29, who was seated in the back.

“All the victims were trapped in the vehicle and were extricated by the firefighters before being confirmed dead at the scene by medical personnel.

“Meanwhile, the trailer driver, a 61-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was taken by ambulance to Lahad Datu Hospital for further treatment,” he said when contacted by reporters today.

According to Sumsoa, a distress call regarding the accident was received via MERS999 at 8.52 pm, and a team of 12 firefighters, along with machinery and the Emergency Services Assistance Unit, was immediately dispatched to the scene, located 30 kilometres from the station.

He said all the deceased were handed over to the police for further action, and the operation concluded at 12.40 am after confirming there were no further hazards at the scene.

Meanwhile, Lahad Datu deputy police chief Supt Jimmy Panyau said the three victims, who were friends, were on their way to Sandakan when the accident occurred.

“Preliminary investigations found that the driver of the four-wheel drive vehicle is believed to have lost control and veered into the opposite lane before colliding with the trailer,” he said in a statement today.

“Due to the impact of the collision, both the trailer and the four-wheel drive vehicle plunged into a ravine on the left side of the road, with the vehicle carrying the victims also crashing into an oil palm tree,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

He also urged witnesses to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting traffic investigation officer Insp Mohamad Humaidi Harun at 089-881255 or by visiting the Lahad Datu district police headquarters.

-- BERNAMA