'We survived… but I still can't talk about it' – Alza driver on Gerik tragedy
BALING: The driver of the Perodua Alza involved in the fatal collision with a tour bus near Tasik Banding, Gerik, on Monday remains traumatised and has yet to recount the incident in full.
"I still vividly remember what happened that day, but I still can't talk about it," said Mohd Lutfi Radzi, 37.
On that fateful day, he was travelling with his wife, Nurul Ain Zakaria, 36, and their two children — Nur Aisyah Nafishah, 6, and Muhammad Ahsan Nafis, 2 — when the collision occurred along the East-West Highway.
The family was returning to their home in Parit Panjang after celebrating Hari Raya Aidiladha in Terengganu.
Speaking briefly at Baling Hospital, where the family is receiving treatment, Lutfi said he remembered the moments leading up to the crash but could not recall what happened immediately afterwards.
"One of my children was thrown from the vehicle… but I'm thankful that we all survived," he said, adding that he had been chatting with his wife shortly before the collision.
Lutfi, a teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Malau in Baling, and Nurul Ain, who teaches at SK Tembak, are reported to be in stable condition.
Their daughter, Nur Aisyah Nafishah, suffered a fracture to her right thigh and will require surgery, while Nurul Ain sustained broken ribs and remains under close observation.
Orthopaedic specialist Dr Asri Zuzairudin Mohd Ali said both Lutfi and their son had stabilised and are continuing treatment at the hospital.
"All four family members are still undergoing care here," he said.
The Kedah State Education Department is monitoring the couple's condition. Senior assistant director (Schools Unit) Wan Norazman Zainol said the department would ensure the family received any necessary support during their recovery.
The crash occurred in the early hours of Monday when a tour bus carrying 42 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students collided with the Alza. The students were travelling from Jerteh, Terengganu, to the university's main campus in Tanjung Malim, Perak.
Fifteen students were killed in the accident.
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