TAWAU: An Indonesian woman perished while another sustained injuries in a single-vehicle accident involving a Proton Saga sedan at Mile 16 Jalan Apas on Aug 26.
OCPD ACP Rosdi Mat Jusoh, disclosed that the incident occurred at approximately 3.26 pm when the vehicle, driven by a 26-year-old Indonesian woman, was traveling from Semporna towards Tawau.
Upon reaching the location, the driver is believed to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. The car subsequently veered onto the left shoulder of the road, collided with a tree, and overturned into a ditch.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the driver did not possess a valid driving license, and the vehicle involved belonged to a friend of hers.
In the crash, the driver sustained injuries to her face and neck. Meanwhile, her passenger—a 24-year-old Indonesian woman—suffered severe injuries to her face, body, and chest, and was flung out from the vehicle during the rollover.
Both victims were rushed to Tawau Hospital for emergency treatment. However, the passenger was tragically pronounced dead at about 9.20 pm that same evening.
According to Rosdi, initial findings suggest that the accident was likely caused by the driver’s negligence due to suspected drowsiness. Nevertheless, a comprehensive investigation is still underway to uncover the full sequence of events and contributing factors behind the tragedy.
The case has being classified under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Members of the public who have any information regarding the incident or who may have witnessed the crash are urged to come forward and assist with the investigation. They can contact the investigating traffic officer, Inspector Joseph Jelian, at 016-806 7272.
In light of this incident, Rosdi advised all road users to ensure they are well-rested before embarking on any journey. Motorists feeling drowsy behind the wheel are reminded to stop at a safe location and take a break to prevent any untoward incidents. – James Leong
Rosdi said initial findings suggest that the accident was likely caused by the driver’s negligence due to suspected drowsiness.
