BINTULU: Two Chinese nationals were among three people killed in an accident involving a pick-up truck and two lorries near Sungai Sebemban bridge along Jalan Bintulu-Tatau here this morning.
The foreigners, identified as Zhao Shuguang, 48, and Hao Ping, 44, were passengers of the Toyota Hilux.
The other victim killed in the 7.40am mishap was the driver of the Hilux, Kong Tze Hua, 57.
Another passenger identified as Tang Dingping, 53, also from China, was rushed to the nearest hospital after he sustained serious injuries to his chest, right arm and leg.
State Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department deputy chief Deputy Superintendent Bingkok John said the pick-up truck, ferrying the employees of a power transmission and distributing firm, was heading towards Tatau from Bintulu.
"The accident occurred when one of the lorries, coming from the opposite direction of the 4WD vehicle, rammed into the rear of a lorry in front of it.
"The impact sends the second lorry skidding into the opposite lane before crashing into 4WD vehicle," he said.
Kong, Zhao and Hao succumbed to severe bodily and head injuries at the scene.
It was learnt that rescuers from Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department had to use a cutter to peel off the roof panel of the Hilux to extricate the victims, who were pinned to their seats.
The 44-year-old driver of the first lorry and his assistant, 24, sustained minor wounds and bruises. The driver of the second lorry also sustained minor wounds and bruises.
"The driver of the first lorry has been arrested under Section 41(1) of the Road Transports Act 1987 for reckless driving to assist a police probe." he said.