Gerik Bus Tragedy: Task Force Formed As Police Vows Swift Action
KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Bernama) -- The fatal bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in the early hours of this morning near Tasik Banding in Gerik, Perak has prompted the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to establish a special task force to investigate the tragic incident.
The task force, involving the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and other relevant agencies, will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the police aim to complete the investigation report as soon as possible to prosecute those allegedly responsible for the crash.
The accident occurred at 1.10 am at KM53 of the East-West Highway (JRTB) in Banun, near Tasik Banding, when the chartered bus carrying UPSI students overturned after colliding with the rear of a Perodua Alza multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
The bus, carrying 42 students aged 21 to 23 returning to campus after the Aidiladha holidays, departed from Jerteh, Terengganu, at 9 pm last night.
Thirteen victims died at the scene, and two succumbed to injuries in the hospital. Post-mortems for 13 bodies are being conducted at Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) in Ipoh, while two are at Gerik Hospital.
The MPV, carrying a family of four including two children, veered off the road, resulting in minor injuries.
Police have yet to identify all victims, including the 15 deceased, as post-mortem processes are ongoing, and are investigating technical aspects, human negligence, the driver's records and also if the road's dark, winding and downhill conditions contributed to the crash.
The Higher Education Ministry (KPT) will provide RM2,000 initial aid and RM1,000 disaster relief to victims' families to ease the burden, including funeral arrangements.
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