Gerik crash: 'I'm sorry… the brakes failed suddenly,' says bus driver [WATCH]

New Straits Times

2 days ago

KOTA BARU: "I wish to apologise to the families of the victims and to the students involved in the crash. What happened was due to a sudden brake failure."
These were the words of Mohd Amirul Fadhil Zulkifle, 39, the driver of the bus that crashed along the Jeli-Gerik Highway early yesterday, claiming the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
Speaking from his hospital bed in Taiping, he said the bus had departed from Terengganu in good condition, but things took a sudden turn near the elephant crossing bridge in Gerik.
"The brakes stopped working without warning, and at the same time, the air system failed," he said.
"I tried everything I could — but without air pressure, nothing worked. The handbrake was unresponsive, and I couldn't even shift gears.
"I did my best to avoid other vehicles. I remember swerving past at least four, including a lorry, before the crash happened.
"The last vehicle I overtook had a dashcam. I wasn't speeding — I was trying to avoid crashing into other cars. But the road was winding, and I had no control left," he said when contacted.
Amirul, who has been a bus driver since 2016, said he shouted at the students to brace for impact.
"Those sitting near the front may have heard me. But most of the students at the back were asleep. Some thought I was shouting in anger.
"I estimate the bus travelled more than a kilometre with failed brakes. I did all I could to prevent the worst.
"I know the Jeli-Gerik route well — I wasn't speeding, especially since we were going downhill," he said, choking back tears.
He said he briefly lost consciousness when the bus overturned, but came to and shouted for the students to escape through the shattered front windscreen.
"I crawled out and saw the students. I cried. I was devastated. But I accept this as a test from Allah.
"In all my years of driving, this is the first accident I've had that involved fatalities. I feel an overwhelming sense of guilt.
"But I can't turn back time. All I can do now is apologise, and let the authorities carry out their investigation."
Amirul, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, is currently awaiting surgery for a fractured left arm.
Police said preliminary investigations showed the crash occurred when the bus rear-ended a Perodua Alza, causing it to overturn.
It was earlier reported that the bus was carrying 42 UPSI students and a bus attendant, in addition to the driver.