15 dead as bus carrying Malaysian university students collides with MPV in Gerik
At least 15 people were killed in a tragic crash involving a bus carrying UPSI students and a multi-purpose vehicle along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik. Rescue operations are ongoing, and authorities have formed a task force to investigate.
MALAYSIA: At least 15 people were killed in a tragic accident involving a bus carrying Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students and a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) along the East-West Highway in Banun, Gerik, on 9 June.
The bus was en route from Jerteh, Terengganu, to UPSI’s main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak, when the collision occurred.
The Hulu Perak operations control centre of the Civil Defence Force (APM) reported receiving an emergency call from Gerik Hospital regarding the crash at 1:10am local time.
A total of 48 people were involved in the accident.
Of these, 42 were UPSI students, four were occupants of the MPV, and the remaining two were the bus driver and attendant, according to Perak Fire and Rescue Department director Sayani Saidon, speaking to The Star.
Thirteen victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while two more succumbed to their injuries later in hospital. All 15 fatalities were students.
Two victims are in critical condition, 20 are in semi-critical condition, and six are stable, according to the New Straits Times.
Sayani explained that both vehicles had been travelling in the same direction from Jeli to Gerik when the accident occurred.
The collision caused the bus to overturn, while the MPV skidded into a ditch.
“Some victims managed to exit the vehicle on their own, some were thrown out, while others remained trapped inside the bus,” she said.
Rescue personnel used hydraulic tools to cut open the rear section of the bus and extract the trapped victims.
Injured passengers were stabilised before being handed over to the Health Ministry personnel on-site for further treatment.
UPSI’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), Norkhalid Salimin, stated that most of the students on board were returning to campus after celebrating the Aidiladha break with their families.
The university’s corporate communications division also noted that 44 students were originally scheduled to board the bus, but two did not.
Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Express Condolences
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed his condolences on Monday morning, extending heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families of the victims. We hope you find strength and resilience during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
He also announced that the Higher Education Ministry had been instructed to offer assistance to the affected families.
Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir also conveyed his condolences, assuring that his ministry is ready to provide full support, with further updates to follow.
Bus Company Claims Vehicle Was in Good Condition
The bus involved in the crash was one of two hired by UPSI students for their return to campus after the Hari Raya Aidiladha holiday.
A spokesperson for the bus company, based in Kota Baru, confirmed that both buses were in good condition, with valid travel documents and operated by experienced drivers.
“All four drivers and assistants involved – two per bus – were experienced and held valid licences. The driver and assistant of the ill-fated bus had more than 10 years of experience,” the spokesperson said.
The company has pledged full cooperation with authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Task Force Formed to Investigate the Crash
A special task force, composed of technical experts from multiple agencies, will be set up to investigate the cause of the fatal crash.
Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri stated that the team will include representatives from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), Puspakom, the Chemistry Department, the Health Ministry, the Works Ministry, and the state Works Department.
The task force will assist police in completing the investigation and gathering evidence for potential prosecution.
“To members of the public, if you have any information related to the accident, please come forward to the police to assist with the investigation. Please avoid spreading information about the incident through social media or mass media as it can create confusion and interfere with the investigation,” Yusri said during a visit to survivors at Gerik Hospital.
Regarding the driver’s record, Yusri assured that all aspects of the case, including the driver’s background, will be thoroughly investigated.
