GIRL, 3, KILLED AS VAN CRASHES INTO STALL
She was looking at toys when van ploughed into her
NURADZIMMAH DAIM CAMERON HIGHLANDS news@nst.com.my
AFAMILY vacation turned tragic when a 3year-old girl died after a van ran her down at a night market here, as her parents watched helplessly.
In the 9.45pm incident on Sunday, the van driver, who was a trader at the market, was trying to drive past a group of people.
District police chief Hasadid A. Hamid said the man, 33, was leaving the market while the girl, identified as Adra Mustaffa Kamal from Mersing, Johor, was looking at toys at the Golden Hill night market in Sungai Ruil.
Adra was with her parents and two other siblings.
“The man allegedly revved his engine to produce loud sounds so market-goers would make way for him.
“The van was then seen moving at a high speed towards the stalls where the girl was standing. The girl died of head injuries.
“Two women, aged 22 and 55, nearby suffered head and leg injuries, respectively,” Hasadid said.
Adra’s remains and the two women were brought to Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital in Tanah Rata, here.
Hasadid said the driver claimed he experienced cramps and fell unconscious during the incident.
He said the man, who worked at a bank here, had been detained and the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
A witness, who did not wish to be identified, said he heard people screaming before seeing a van crashing into the stalls.
“There was a lot of shouting and screaming, so I rushed out to have a look. I saw the tents crashing down like bowling pins, like dominos and the lights went off.
“The van then stopped and two victims were lying on the road.
“There are some 200 stalls operating at the market and it was crowded with people, so you can imagine the chaos.”
Project manager Izzat Khalid, 33, from Sungai Buloh, went to the night market yesterday.
He said he and his wife, Noor Aishah Roslan, 30, made the right decision in leaving their three children with family members at a hotel when they visited the night market.
“We were browsing the stalls when I saw the van moving fast towards us. It was chaotic.
“I remember pulling my wife to the side when the van was about 15m away. She sprained her ankle as a result.”
It is learnt that Adra’s family left Cameron Highlands, bringing her remains with them.