By JAMES LEONG
BELURAN: Four people were killed and another injured in a tragic road accident involving a car and a lorry at KM 7 of the Telupid-Beluran Road on Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred at approximately 6.30 am when a car carrying four occupants travelling from Beluran towards Telupid town was believed to have lost control on a winding bend. The vehicle veered into the opposite lane and collided head-on with an oncoming lorry.
The car driver, a 63-year-old local man, along with three passengers believed to be foreigners, were pinned in the front and rear seats of the wrecked vehicle. They sustained critical injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel from the Telupid Health Clinic.
The lorry driver, a 44-year-old local man who was en route from Kampung Gambaron to his workplace, suffered injuries to his hands and legs. He received initial treatment from Health Ministry medical personnel before being taken to the Telupid Health Clinic for further care.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre said it received an emergency call regarding the crash at 7.28 am. Seven firefighters from the Beluran Fire and Rescue Station travelled 93 kilometres to the scene but faced difficulties due to the lack of telephone coverage and Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN) connectivity.
District police, assisted by Beluran firefighters and the Telupid Civil Defence Force (APM), extricated the trapped victims from the car wreckage. Their bodies were handed over to the police for further action.
According to Beluran District Police Chief Supt Hasan Majid, initial investigations indicate that the crash was likely caused by the car driver losing control on the bend. The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
The rescue operation concluded at 9.58 am after personnel ensured the scene was safe and free from any further hazards.
Supt Hasan appealed to any witnesses who saw the incident or who have CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward and assist with the investigation. They may report to the nearest police station or contact the investigating officer, Inspector Alpius @ Nickee Yakim, at 019-8707626.
Telupid is an inland district in Sabah, located approximately 230 kilometres from Sandakan, the nearest major town.
Rescuers carrying the body of one victim from the car wreckage.
