5 killed in collision

TRAGIC: Carwas attempting to overtake when crash occurred

FIVE people were killed in a crash involving a Perodua Alza and Proton Saga at Km77 of Jalan Kota Tinggi-Mersing at 3.45pm yesterday.

The accident near Ladang Boustead killed Md Shafi’i Kassim, 56, his wife, Asnah Kassim, 54, and their 20-year-old daugher Siti Nurullfarhah Md Shafi’i, who was behind the wheel of the Perodua Alza.

The fourth and fifth casualties were identified as Nora Atika Sazumi, 13, and her father Sazumi Yahya, 55, who were in the Proton Saga.

Nora Atika’s mother Yusniza Yusof, 45, and elder sister Nora Alina Sazumi, 19, survived the crash, and were rushed to Kota Tinggi Hospital.

Kota Tinggi district police chief Superintendent Rahmat Othman said initial checks showed the driver of the Perodua Alza, which was headed north to Mersing, had attempted to overtake a vehicle and entered into the path of the oncoming Proton Saga.

“The Alza was believed to have crossed a double line and could not overtake in time before it crashed head-on with the oncoming Proton Saga,” he said, adding that the road was wet after a downpour and the accident happened at a slope.

Rahmat said the remains of Md Shafi’i, Asnah, Siti Nurullfarhah, Nora Atika and Sazumi were taken to Kota Tinggi Hospital for a postmortem.

The injured victims were also sent to the same hospital where they were reported to be in stable condition.

Rahmat said Sazumi’s family, who were in the Proton Saga, are from Kuala Terengganu and were believed to have been heading to their hometown from Bandar Penawar.

“The other family in the Perodua Alza are residents of Ladang Felda Tenggaroh Timur 2, Mersing.

“Initial investigations showed that Siti Nurullfarhah was driving the car,” he said.

Rahmat said there were no witnesses to the incident so far, and the case was being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for reckless driving leading to death.