BANDAR BAHARU: Seven express bus passengers who were on their way to Alor Setar from Kuala Lumpur were injured in an accident involving a trailer at KM 170.6 of the North-South Expressway (Plus) northbound this morning.
In the 3.15am incident, two female passengers aged 46 and 60 suffered broken legs while five male passengers aged between 14 and in the 50s sustained minor injuries.
Bandar Baharu district police chief Deputy Superintendent Baruddin Wariso said the express bus driven by a 40-year-old men with 23 passengers were on its way to Alor Setar.
He said the lorry, laden with steel, that was driven by a 35-year-old, was on its way from Johor to Prai, Penang.
He said preliminary investigation at the scene revealed that the accident occurred on a stretch without street lights.
“It is believed that the bus driver rear-ended the trailer that was on the left-most lane and was dragged for about 50 metres before both vehicles came to a halt.
“Due to the impact, two of the passengers suffered broken legs and others suffered light injured. Both the bus and lorry drivers escaped unhurt,” he said.
He said the injured passengers were sent to Sungai Bakap Hospital, Penang for treatment.
The case is being investigated under Section 43 (1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Meanwhile, Serdang Fire and Rescue Department station chief Mohd Faiz Helmi said it received a distress call at 3.58am.
“A fire engine, an ambulance from the Emergency Medical Response Service (EMRS) and five personnel were deployed to the scene.
“They were also assisted by firemen from the Bagan Serai station,” he said.