Malaysian fatal bus crash Driver has 18 summonses say officials

KUALA LUMPUR - A total of 18 summonses have been issued against the bus driver transporting Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students involved in the fatal accident on the East-West Highway near Gerik, Perak on June 9.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri stated that of the 18 summonses, 13 were for speeding offences.

He said that three other offences were for not wearing a seatbelt, while one offence each was for not having a third brake light and being involved in an accident.

“Investigations also found that the bus involved has a record of 21 summonses for traffic offences. However, 16 summons records against the bus have been settled, while the remaining five are still under investigation,” he said on June 10.

Malay language daily Sinar Harian reported that the police would establish a special task force to investigate the accident involving the chartered bus for UPSI students.

Mr Mohd Yusri had said earlier that the police would conduct a comprehensive investigation into the crash together with the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, the Road Transport Department, the Land Public Transport Agency and relevant parties

“We will complete the investigation papers as soon as possible to charge the bus driver in court. We will investigate various aspects, including his offence record, background, activities, and career history,” he said.

In the tragic incident on June 9, 15 UPSI students died and seven were seriously injured after the bus they were in overturned in an accident at 1.15am.

The bus carrying UPSI students was travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu and is believed to have lost control before colliding with the rear of a Perodua Alza. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK