KINABATANGAN: A section of the road connecting Sandakan and Lahad Datu at KM90 near the Sukau Roundabout here collapsed early yesterday due to soil movement.
The Kinabatangan District Police Headquarters received a report of an accident related to the incident at about 4.30 am.
Initial investigations found that the main road at KM90 had almost completely collapsed due to heavy rainfall which triggered soil movement and subsequent road failure.
A road accident involving a car was reported in connection with the incident. Fortunately, the driver and passenger sustained no serious injuries and received treatment at Kinabatangan Hospital.
In response, the contractor for the Pan Borneo Highway project opened a single diversion lane to facilitate traffic flow. However, heavy vehicles are still not permitted to use this road at this time. The Kinabatangan District Public Works Department (JKR) has also been notified for further action.
OCPD Superintendent Ravi Duraisamy, advised: “All road users are urged to exercise extreme caution when passing through the area and to practice safe driving to avoid any untoward incidents.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation. Road users are advised to obey all safety signs and to note the temporary ban on heavy vehicles.
Repair work on the collapsed section of the road near Sukau Junction was actively underway and expected to be restored to two lanes on Tuesday afternoon. The affected area involves approximately 50 metres of detour path. Several obstacles remain on site, including utility poles, but Public Works Department teams are working to open as many viable routes as possible to ensure smooth passage for road users. – James Leong
The section of main road near KM90 Sukau Roundabout which collapsed early Tuesday.
