PUTRAJAYA – The Transport Ministry has pledged stringent measures against those responsible for the fatal accident at KM 204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound in Melaka, which claimed seven lives and left 33 injured.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that initial investigations revealed the accident was caused by a dislodged tyre from a trailer lorry.
The tyre caused a tour bus carrying 27 passengers to lose control while trying to avoid it, leading to a devastating collision with three other vehicles.
“JPJ will continue to enforce stringent and integrated measures on heavy commercial vehicles, ensuring adherence to safety protocols at all times to protect the safety of all road users,” said Loke in a statement issued today.
He also directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to immediately investigate the accident and take decisive action against the lorry and bus operators involved.
The minister extended his condolences to the victims’ families, describing the accident as a heartbreaking tragedy.
The crash occurred around 8.45pm last night, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including five members of a family.
The deceased were identified as Khairul Ikhwan Mazupi, 32, the driver of the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), along with his family members: two-year-old Muhammad Umaras Khairul Ikhwan, Fadzlenna Ramli, 32, Ramli Ab Wahab, 67, and 69-year-old Fauziah Jaafar.
Also killed were the bus driver, Noorisnien Khamid, 56, and a Singaporean bus passenger, Lamrah Asid Ali, 66.
According to media reports, the bus skidded into the opposite lane after hitting the tyre, crashing into a car, a lorry, and the MPV.
Melaka Governor Tun Mohd Ali Rustam visited the Forensic Department at Melaka Hospital today to meet victims’ family members and offer his sympathies.
He arrived at approximately 1.58 pm and was accompanied by Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem and Melaka Hospital director Dr Shahrum Muzakir.
The tragic accident involved five vehicles: the tour bus, two lorries, a car, and the MPV. Authorities have vowed to hold the responsible parties accountable and ensure stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such incidents in the future. – December 24, 2024