Routine ride to school turns tragic
SARIKEI: A routine motorcycle ride to school turned tragic for two SMK Sungai Paoh students yesterday when they were involved in a hit- and-run accident.
In the incident around 6.30am, pillion rider James Sigaya Nicholas, 15, was killed, while motorcyclist Gait Jang, 17, was seriously injured. Gait was taken to Sarikei Hospital for treatment, while James was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was taken to the hospital mortuary for a post-mortem.
District police chief Supt Mat Jusoh Muhamad said the two students were travelling from Rumah Anggat, Sungai Garu, Sebangkoi to their school around 5km away when the accident occurred. It is understood that the motorcycle collided with a car from the opposite direction, which continued south fleeing the scene. Mat Jusoh said the case has been classified as reckless driving, an offence under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
He appealed for eyewitnesses to come forward to assist with the investigation. Police are looking for the owner or driver of a white Perodua Viva. Those with information can contact the Sarikei District police headquarters traffic section at 084- 652222, 012- 8598103, or 0138299939.
The accident occurred at almost the same spot as one involving a car and a lorry last Saturday, which claimed the life of a 45year- old teacher.
Mat Jusoh said the stretch between Bulat junction, 8km from here, and Sebangkoi, 24km from here, has been identified as an accident-prone section as it is narrow and riddled with many sharp bends.