Teen driver ‘won’t talk to anyone’

PITAS: The teenage driver of a car, which crashed here last Thursday, killing four female students and injuring four male students, is traumatised by the incident and will not communicate with anyone, including family members.

His father, Lawrence Ruminbit, 54, from Kampung Lumikog here, said his son, Lewinkafo, 18, had stopped talking after he learnt of his friends’ deaths and injuries.

All nine were en route to SMK Pitas 2, which is a 15minute drive from their hostel, when the incident happened.

“He is traumatised and I have seen him crying. He does not eat much and stays in the same place at home,” Lawrence said.

The father of six said his youngest son had yet to receive counselling as he was too emotionally unstable.

The four other male students, who survived the crash with minor injuries, have also been urged to attend counselling.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Aman met Lawrence and the five boys, as well as their family members, at a district council office yesterday.

Lawrence said his son, who has a driving licence, used his car to shuttle his schoolmates from the hostel to school.

“Parents of those killed are understanding. They know that my son did not do it on purpose. The site where the car crashed is an accident-prone area.”

Musa extended his condolences and contributed assistance to family members.

Present were state Deputy Ministers Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan and Datuk Seri Raymond Tan, State Secretary Tan Sri Sukarti Wakiman, cabinet ministers and state Education director Datuk Maimunah Suhaibul.

The Public Works Department is investigating the cause of the accident.

He is traumatised and I have seen him crying. He does not eat much and stays in the same place at home. LAWRENCE RUMINBIT Father of teenage driver