BETONG: Four people were killed and two severely injured when the Perodua Kancil they were travelling in collided head-on with a cargo lorry at KM52 of Jalan Sri Aman-Sarikei here, early today (Aug 23).
The deceased have been identified as driver Mixzezly Herry and passengers Roman Ensalit, Agustine Rentap Didi and Dunstan Empawie. All four men – who were from Engkelili and aged between 19 and 29 – died at the scene.
The two injured are Hail Sumping, 41, and Larry Jelapang, 26.
The 51-year-old driver of the cargo lorry escaped unharmed.
The 1.50am accident occurred when the cargo lorry, which was en route from Sri Aman to Sibu, suddenly entered the opposite lane and crashed head-on with the Kancil.
The bodies and injured victims were sent to the Sri Aman Hospital for post-mortems and further treatment, respectively.
“The case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987,” said Sarawak Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department head Superintendent Alexson Naga Chabu.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (operations) said eight personnel from the Sri Aman station were rushed to the location after receiving a call on the accident.
“Upon arrival, we found two victims pinned to their seats in the front of the car, while four others were trapped in the back seat.
“All the victims were extricated from the wreck using hydraulic rescue tools,” he added.