KUCHING: An American tourist who was knocked down by an MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) on Jalan Padungan here early this morning while crossing the road, died about two hours later at the Sarawak General Hospital due to serious head injuries.
Sarawak Traffic Investigations and Enforcement Department head Superintendent Alexson Naga Chabu said the 62-year-old victim was with his 48-year-old wife, also an American, before the car driven by a 26-year-old local man crashed into them during the 12.10am incident.
“The accident happened when the MPV, heading from Kuching Park Hotel towards the Sri Aman roundabout, knocked into the American pedestrians who were crossing the road,” he said in a statement.
The victim’s wife had a broken right thumb and was taken to the same hospital before being transferred to Kuching KPJ Hospital.
The driver was unhurt and tested positive for driving under the influence of alcohol based on blood tests undertaken at the Sarawak General Hospital.
Investigations under section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987 are underway. – BERNAMA