Gerik crash: Bus driver told family not to visit him in hospital
KOTA BARU: The bus driver involved in the tragic crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students in Gerik yesterday has asked his family not to visit him in Taiping Hospital.
Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle said he made the decision as his 39-year-old wife and their three children were still in shock following the incident.
"My family, especially my wife, is deeply affected after learning that I was involved in a crash that killed 15 students.
"Her emotional state is still unstable, so I told them not to visit me for now. I've only asked them to pray for my recovery," he said.
The 39-year-old, who hails from Kampung Kuala Besut, Terengganu, also appealed to the public not to blame his family for what had happened.
Amirul, who recently underwent surgery for severe cuts on his fingers and hand caused by broken glass, said his condition is improving.
"Once again, I would like to extend my deepest apologies to the families of the victims and the students involved in the crash," he added.
He also revealed that he previously worked as a lorry driver before taking up a part-time job with the bus company.
It was reported yesterday that the bus, which was carrying 42 UPSI students, was on its way from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it was involved in a collision with a Perodua Alza along the East-West Highway.
Thirteen students died at the scene of the crash, while two others were pronounced dead at the hospital.
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