Gerik crash: Brake failure claim under probe, says Loke
GERIK: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has issued a stern warning to the bus driver involved in the Gerik crash that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students, cautioning him against making false claims, as these can be verified through mechanical testing.
He said the exact cause of the accident — whether due to road conditions or driver negligence — had yet to be determined.
"I've been informed that the area is indeed poorly lit at night, and the crash site is located on elevated terrain, which is often enveloped in fog.
"Nevertheless, we wish to emphasise that the cause of the accident is still under investigation. Whether it stemmed from the road conditions or the driver's actions, a full inquiry is already underway," he told reporters after visiting the crash site and inspecting the tour bus and Perodua Alza involved in the collision, outside the district police headquarters here today.
Asked about the driver's claim that the bus suffered brake failure during the incident, Loke said the matter would soon be confirmed, as Puspakom had already carried out an inspection of the vehicle's braking system.
"We cannot accept the driver's statement at face value. He could be telling the truth, or he could be attempting to deflect blame. I would like to warn him: do not make false claims, as they can be disproven through technical analysis.
"There are also other developments that have come to light. Firstly, dashcam footage shows the bus was speeding while overtaking.
"Secondly, we conducted a Safety Audit and Inspection Report (JISA) on the company and the vehicle, and the company failed the audit," he said.
Loke added that all findings would be verified and detailed in a forthcoming technical report.
On Monday, the bus, carrying 42 UPSI students, was travelling from Jertih, Terengganu, to the university's main campus when it collided with a Perodua Alza at KM53 of the East-West Highway.
Thirteen students died at the scene, while two others were pronounced dead in hospital.
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