MUAR: Thirteen people, including a toddler, were killed and 17 others injured when an express bus plunged into a 20-foot deep ravine at Km137.3 of the North-South Expressway (NSE) near Kampung Jayo, Jalan Kangkar Senangah Pagoh, at about 3.40am today.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunnos said the Alisan Golden Coach Express bus, which was believed to be heading to Kuala Lumpur from Johor Baru, had skidded off the expressway and into the ravine in the incident.
State deputy Fire and Rescue Department Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunnos said two teams from Muar and Yong Peng fire stations were deployed when they received a distress call at around 4am.
"There were 30 passengers on board.
“Thirteen perished, including the bus driver and an infant, while the rest suffered injuries. They were all taken to the hospital in Muar by paramedics," he said.
The identities of those who were killed and injured have yet to be ascertained, but Mohd Yusof said there could be foreigners on board, aside from Malaysian passengers.