School van driver dies after 4 days in coma

BINTULU: A school van driver who was in a coma for four days after sustaining serious burn after the van hit a downed electrified power cable in Tatau passed away yesterday.

Singa Gawan, 55, suffered 53 per cent burn to her body following the Tuesday morning incident while sending five children to nearby schools, including her own son, Allister Kilat.

Tatau District police chief DSP Dennis Bunyam said the woman succumbed to her injuries at 3.25am at Bintulu Hospital.

He said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

Her son, 11, who was seated in front, sustained minor burn injuries, and is in stable condition.

Four other children sitting in the back escaped unhurt.

Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) in a statement on Thursday said a thorough investigation into the cause of the fallen power line had been carried out.

“SEB’s initial investigations showed that earthing cables were cut, which also resulted in the loss of power supply to the whole of Tatau, including Tatau Clinic.

“SEB believes thieves might have attempted to steal the cables, resulting in the failure of its safety measures, leaving the line energised.

“A fallen line creates a voltage change on the ground

SEB’s initial investigations showed that earthing cables were cut, which also resulted to the loss of power supply to the whole of Tatau, including Tatau Clinic. SEB

surface, and movements such as walking or running near the lines could cause electrocution as electricity can travel through the body.

“In the event of fallen lines on vehicles, the people are advised to remain inside the vehicle until help arrives and alert others to keep clear and not to touch the vehicle.

“If one must leave the vehicle due to other dangers such as fire, jump away from the vehicle with both feet on the ground at the same time.

“Always continue to keep your feet together on the ground by continuing to jump away at least 10 metres from the site,” the statement added.

The people are also advised to stay clear at least five metres or 15 feet away from any fallen lines, and always assume every fallen power line is energised, and to alert Sarawak Energy immediately for assistance at 1300 88 3111.