PENANG: A lorry driver is in critical condition after he crashed into a road divider while trying to avoid a group of illegal racers at Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR) expressway here today.
In the 2am incident, the driver was moving towards Sungai Dua near the BORR toll plaza when four motorcyclists, aged 15 to 25 years old, swerved in front of the lorry.
Seberang Perai Utara police chief Assistant Commissoner Noorzainy Mohd Noor said the motorcyclists had apparently been driving recklessly while trying to compete with each other.
“They were also riding low which was a hazard to themselves and other road users.
“While racing, they suddenly tried to cut in front of another car and the lorry causing the driver to swerve and crash into a road divider,” he told reporters here today.
Noorzainy said the lorry driver was rushed to the Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment.
“He is in a coma at the intensive care unit,” he said.
Noorzainy said the motorcyclists tried to escape but were arrested by a group of policemen from the Investigation Unit and Traffic Enforcement Unit.
“They were arrested at Bagan Ajam Rest and Recreation area," he said.
The case will be investigated under Section 42(1) Road Transport Act for reckless and dangerous driving.