A somber mood enveloped the Malaysian state of Sabah on Monday afternoon (Mar 11) as news emerged of a tragic crash involving a trailer lorry and a tour van, resulting in two fatalities, including a Singaporean man. The incident, which also left several others injured, occurred in Semporna and has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to District Police Chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, the driver of the trailer lorry reportedly lost control of the vehicle, veering into the opposite lane and causing a devastating collision with the tour van. The van, carrying six Singaporean and Vietnamese tourists, bore the brunt of the impact.
Among the victims were a 60-year-old Singaporean man and a 40-year-old Vietnamese woman, both of whom tragically lost their lives in the crash. The driver of the tour van, a 42-year-old Malaysian man, along with four Singaporean passengers, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Tawau Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Reports from the Semporna Fire and Rescue Station revealed that an 11-year-old girl was among the injured passengers, highlighting the severity of the incident. Photos released by the department depict the aftermath of the crash, showing the overturned tour van with its windscreen shattered and roof partially crushed, painting a grim picture of the tragedy.
The driver of the trailer lorry, a 29-year-old Malaysian man, emerged from the collision unscathed. However, he was promptly arrested to assist with ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident. The impact of the collision also caused debris to fly into the glass screen of a box truck traveling behind the trailer, further illustrating the severity of the crash.
As the authorities work tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident, CNA has reached out to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for additional information. The loss of lives and the injuries sustained serve as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while traveling, especially in unfamiliar territories. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.