KOTA KINABALU: A four-wheel-drive driver was confirmed dead in an accident involving eight vehicles, on Jalan Kolam, here, early yesterday morning.
In the incident at around 6am, the 43-year-old victim was confirmed dead by medical officers from the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital (HQEII) who were present to assist at the location.
Kota Kinabalu District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Shahrudin Mat Husain said initial investigations found that the victim, who was driving a Toyota Hilux, was travelling from the direction of Bukit Padang towards Damai.
However, he said, the victim identified as Arizal Wahid, a teacher at a school in Sembulan here is believed to have lost control when he arrived at the traffic light intersection before crashing into several other vehicles.
“The vehicle hit a Ford vehicle and a motorcycle before crashing into the back of a Nissan Navara that was on the same road.
“The Toyota Hilux then skidded into the opposite lane before hitting four other vehicles at the location,” he said in a media statement, yesterday.
According to him, as a result of the incident, the driver of the Toyota Hilux involved was found unconscious in the driver’s seat.
“The victim was later confirmed dead at the scene by medical officers from the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.
“The victim’s body was sent to the Forensic Department, Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, for autopsy purposes.
“The police are now conducting further investigations to identify the exact cause of the incident,” he said.
In this regard, Shahrudin asked the public who have information regarding the accident to come forward to assist in the investigation.
He said information can be provided by contacting the Investigating Officer, Inspector Brymenedren Godon at 010-776 8802, or by visiting any nearby police station.
“In the meantime, Kota Kinabalu PDRM advises all road users to always drive carefully and prudently and obey traffic rules to ensure their own safety and that of other road users,” he said. – Fardy Bungga
The victim was found unconscious before being pronounced dead by HQEII medical officers.
