Driver dies after crashing vehicle into drain
KUCHING: A male driver was killed in a single-vehicle accident at Jalan Datuk Amar Kalong Ningkan around 4.50am yesterday, while his four passengers suffered multiple injuries.
In a statement, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) said the driver is believed to have lost control of the multipurpose vehicle (MPV) and then crashed into a roadside drain.
The front half of the vehicle was badly crushed in the crash, trapping the driver and all four passengers inside.
After the driver was extricated from the MPV, medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Firefighters also had to extricate the two male and two female passengers from the vehicle.
They were later brought to the Sarawak General Hospital for further treatment of their injuries.
At the scene were Batu Lintang fire station personnel, who completed the operation at 6.58am.
Sarawak Traffic Investigation and Enforcement chief Supt Alexson Naga Chabu said the deceased has been identified as Rachel Peter, 17-year-old from Taman Desa Ilmu, Kota Samarahan who suffered serious head injuries.
“Early investigations showed that Rachel was driving fast which caused the MPV to go out of control and crashed,” said Alexson.
He also said the MPV was heading towards Jalan Stephen Yong from the BDC roundabout when it crashed into the roadside drain.
The female passengers, a 19-year-old suffered serious injuries to her chest and back while a 20-year-old sustained serious injuries to her arms.
The two 17-year-old male passengers both suffered serious head injuries.
All are currently warded at the SGH’s redzone and are in a stable condition.
“It was also discovered that the MPV belongs to the deceased’s mother from Serian,” said Alexson.
The remains have since been transferred to the SGH’s forensics unit for further action.
The case is currently being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.